This is our Granny Paul’s recipe for fried chicken, and it’s as simple a taste of Southern home cooking as there ever could be. Serve it with collard greens and some mashed potatoes, and before you know it you’ll be whistlin’ “Dixie.” And you don’t need to save this meal for Sunday suppers—if you’re short on time, just skip the refrigeration and season the chicken right before you fry it to have yourself a down-home after-work treat.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4 to 6

　　One 3 1/2- to 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces

　　Salt and pepper to taste

　　4 large eggs

　　1 tablespoon Tabasco or other hot sauce

　　2 cups all-purpose flour

　　4 cups peanut oil, for frying

　　

Step 1

Season the chicken generously with the salt and pepper. Cover the chicken and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to 8 hours.

　　

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and Tabasco sauce. Place the flour in a separate bowl.

　　

Step 3

Pour the oil 1/2 inch deep into a 12-inch cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet and heat over a medium flame until the oil measures 350° on a candy thermometer.

　　

Step 4

Starting with the 4 pieces of dark meat, dredge the chicken in the egg mixture, then coat in the flour, shaking off any excess. Place the pieces in the oil and fry, turning often, for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear. Transfer the chicken to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the 4 pieces of white meat, and fry, turning often, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the juices run clear. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Serve immediately.

　　[The Deen Bros. Take It Easy](http://astore.amazon.com/epistore-20/detail/0345513266) by Jamie Deen, Bobby Deen, and Melissa Clark. Copyright © 2009 Jamie Deen, Bobby Deen, and Melissa Clark. Published by Random House Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Jamie and Bobby Deen grew up in Georgia—first in Albany and then in Savannah—and, like many Southerners, they have always considered cooking and food a big part of their lives. When their mother, Paula Deen, started a sandwich delivery business in 1989, the boys took charge of deliveries. As the business grew into The Lady restaurant, they continued to help. Then, in 1996, the trio opened The Lady & Sons Restaurant to resounding success. They haven't looked back since. They regularly appear on ABC's Good Morning America and had their own Food Network show, Road Tasted.Melissa Clark has written for The New York Times, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, and Real Simple and has collaborated on twenty-one books.