This is succulent comfort food from the Deep South, with the traditional accompaniment of a smooth cream gravy.
Recipe courtesy of "The Illustrated Kitchen Bible: 1,000 Family Recipes from Around the World" by Victoria Blashford-Snell, copyright 2008. Used by permission of Dorling Kindersley Limited. All rights reserved.
| 1 2/3 cups, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour | 4 chicken drumsticks | |
| 1 teaspoon dried thyme | 2 large eggs | |
| 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning | vegetable oil, for deep frying | |
| 1 teaspoon sugar | 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, for the gravy | |
| salt and freshly ground black pepper | 1 1/4 cups whole milk, for the gravy | |
| 4 chicken thighs |
Combine 1 2/3 cups flour, the thyme, Cajun seasoning, and sugar in a large self-sealing plastic bag and season well with salt and pepper.
One at a time, add the drumsticks and thighs to the bag and shake until coated. Transfer to a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
Beat the eggs in a shallow dish. Dip the floured chicken in the egg, then return to the flour and coat again. Place the chicken on the baking sheet and chill for 30 minutes.
Fill a large deep saucepan halfway with oil and heat over high heat to 325°F (170°C). Add the chicken and deep-fry for about 20 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to paper towels.
To make the cream gravy, transfer 2 tbsp of the frying oil to a saucepan. Whisk in 1 1/2 tablespoons flour. Cook over low heat for 1 minute, then whisk in the milk. Cook, whisking often, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.