Last Updated on September 15, 2023
Melba’s is a beloved family-run restaurant that has been serving up delicious southern-style fare for over 40 years. Their signature dishes include the classic fried chicken, which has been praised by foodies near and far as some of the best in the country.
In fact, this dish has become so popular that they have decided to share the secret recipe so that everyone can enjoy it at home! With this guide, you’ll be able to whip up fried chicken just like they serve at the restaurant without ever having to step out your front door.
With its simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and delicious results, it’s sure to be a hit wherever it’s served. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy this classic dish with the people you love!
What is Melba’s Fried Chicken?
Melba’s Fried Chicken is a classic Southern favorite. It’s made with a simple handful of ingredients—all-purpose flour, brown mustard, chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, peanut or vegetable oil for frying, buttermilk, paprika, and Goya Sazonador seasoning.
The process starts by rubbing the chicken with brown mustard before dipping it into a mix of all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Goya Sazonador. The chicken is then marinated in buttermilk for at least two hours or overnight for best results.
Finally, the chicken is fried in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through. The end result is a crunchy and juicy piece of fried chicken that’s absolutely delicious. And because it’s served in classic Southern style, you can be sure it will be the star of any meal.
Making Melba’s Fried Chicken is not only easy but also very rewarding. You’ll be able to impress your friends and family with a dish that tastes just like it came from the restaurant!
What does it taste like?
Melba’s Fried Chicken has a crunchy golden exterior that is bursting with flavor. The combination of all-purpose flour, mustard, and Goya Sazonador seasoning gives the chicken an earthy, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the juicy white meat inside.
The buttermilk marinade ensures that your fried chicken will be moist and tender, making it a pleasure to eat. The slight tang of the buttermilk cuts through the richness of the oil, providing balance to every bite.
When served hot, Melba’s Fried Chicken is an incredibly satisfying dish that will have you coming back for more.
How did I first get introduced to Melba’s Fried Chicken?
I was first introduced to Melba’s Fried Chicken as a child when my family and I would make regular trips to the restaurant. We were always eager to try their signature fried chicken dish, and it never failed to impress us.
The crunchy exterior was perfectly seasoned with all-purpose flour, mustard, paprika, and Goya Sazonador, making it a flavorful and hearty meal. The marinade was always the highlight of our visits.
The buttermilk made the chicken incredibly moist and tender, while the Goya Sazonador gave it an earthy smokiness that set it apart from traditional fried chicken dishes. We all looked forward to indulging in this amazing dish every time we went to Melba’s.
I was beyond excited when I heard that my favorite restaurant had decided to share its fried chicken recipe with the world. Now, I can make this delicious dish in the comfort of my home without having to travel all the way to the restaurant.
Thanks to Melba’s, everyone can now enjoy a true Southern classic. Making Melba’s Fried Chicken is a great way to show your friends and family how much you care about them.
How to make Melba’s Fried Chicken?
Making Melba’s Fried Chicken is a breeze! By following the steps below, you will be able to make this delicious dish in no time.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: This will act as the base for your fried chicken.
- Brown mustard: This adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish.
- Chicken: Preferably use a 3-pound fryer chicken for best results.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: These two spices are essential for bringing out all of the flavors in your fried chicken.
- Garlic powder: This will give the chicken a subtle, savory kick.
- Peanut or vegetable oil: You’ll need enough to fill your deep-fryer or skillet for frying.
- Buttermilk: This is used to marinate and tenderize the chicken before frying it.
- Sweet Spanish paprika: This will provide a nice smoky flavor to the chicken.
- Goya Sazonador seasoning: This is an all-purpose seasoning mix that will give your fried chicken a delicious Latin twist.
- Poultry seasoning: This adds additional complexity and depth of flavor to the dish.
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Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Season the chickens
- In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Goya Sazonador.
- Rub the chicken pieces with brown mustard on both sides.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the seasoning mix to coat evenly. Set aside.
Step 2
Marinate the chicken
- Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour over the buttermilk.
- Use your hands to massage the buttermilk into each piece of chicken, making sure that it’s evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with clingfilm and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 3
Fry the chicken
- Heat enough oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 375°F/190°C.
- Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 8 minutes, turning it over halfway through.
- Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature of your chicken is 165°F/74°C.
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the oil and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 4
Serve your fried chicken
- Serve your fried chicken immediately while it’s still hot and crispy!
Tips
- Use a thermometer to ensure that your chicken is cooked through before serving.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture.
- If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can also use a heavy skillet filled with enough oil to cover the chicken pieces.
- To make your fried chicken even more flavorful, sprinkle some poultry seasoning over it before serving.
Equipment
- Bowl
- heavy pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp brown mustard
- 1 3-pound chicken
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Peanut or vegetable oil for frying
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp sweet Spanish paprika
- 2 tsp Goya Sazonador seasoning
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
Instructions
- In a shallow plate or bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Goya Sazonador. Rub both sides of the chicken pieces with brown mustard then dip them into the seasoning mix to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Massage the buttermilk into the chicken pieces with your hands, making sure that they are completely covered. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight for best results.
- Heat up enough oil to 375°F/190°C either in a deep fryer or heavy pan. Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil and fry for 8 minutes, flipping it midway through. To check that your chicken is cooked through, use a thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reads 165°F/74°C. Once done, remove from the oil and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Enjoy the delicious, crispy results of your hard work! Serve your fried chicken immediately while it’s hot and crunchy.
Video
Notes
- Use a thermometer to ensure that your chicken is cooked through before serving.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture.
- If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can also use a heavy skillet filled with enough oil to cover the chicken pieces.
- To make your fried chicken even more flavorful, sprinkle some poultry seasoning over it before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Melba’s Fried Chicken?
Here are some great side dishes to serve along with your Melba’s Fried Chicken:
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered corn
- Baked macaroni and cheese
- Coleslaw
- Sauteed spinach
- Biscuits with honey butter
- Sweet potato fries
How to store leftover Melba’s Fried Chicken?
Leftover Melba’s Fried Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To store, place the fried chicken pieces on a plate or tray and cover with aluminum foil or clingfilm.
Reheat by lightly frying, baking, or microwaving until heated through. If you plan on keeping your fried chicken longer than 4 days, it is best to freeze it.
To do so, wrap the chicken pieces in individual portions with aluminum foil or clingfilm and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, defrost completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Melba’s Fried Chicken. However, they should make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly, as undercooked poultry can increase the risk of food-borne illness.
Pregnant women should also consult with their healthcare provider regarding their individual dietary requirements and recommendations. It is important for pregnant women to be aware that fried foods may contain trans fats, which can increase their risk of developing high cholesterol.
However, Melba’s Fried Chicken is cooked in peanut or vegetable oil, which is low in saturated fat and does not contain any trans fat. Pregnant women can therefore enjoy this tasty dish without worrying about consuming unhealthy fats.
FAQs
What other dishes can I make with Goya Sazonador?
Goya Sazonador is a versatile seasoning mix that can be used to add smoky, Latin flavors to a variety of dishes. It works great in marinades, stews, soups, sauces and more. Try using it to make spicy grilled chicken tacos or a flavorful black bean chili. You can also use Goya Sazonador as a rub for roasted vegetables or grilled fish. Get creative and experiment with this delicious seasoning mix!
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, you can definitely make Melba’s Fried Chicken in an air fryer! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C and spray it with oil. Place the chicken into the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes or until crispy and golden. Be sure to check that the internal temperature of your chicken is 165°F/74°C before serving.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Melba’s Fried Chicken gluten-free! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative such as rice flour or almond flour. Also, be sure to check the labels on the seasonings and other ingredients to make sure they are gluten-free as well.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for trying out Melba’s Fried Chicken! We hope you enjoyed this and that it will become a family favorite. Serve your fried chicken with some sides and you are guaranteed to have a delicious meal!
If you tried this, let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Also, feel free to share this article with your friends and family who are looking for delicious fried chicken.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
