This fried chicken has been Bronson Van Wyck's favorite food since Baby Thomas, family friend and cook, raised him on it at Arrowhead Farms. It is also a favorite recipe of Bronson's friends and clients, including former employer Hillary Clinton, who included it in The Clinton Presidential Center Cookbook. Plus: More Chicken Recipes and Tips
How to Make It
Season the chicken generously with kosher salt and let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. Rinse the chicken and pat dry.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the buttermilk, mayonnaise, ale, basil, oregano and 2 teaspoons of the paprika. Add the chicken and turn several times to coat. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
In another large bowl, combine the flour with the remaining 2 teaspoons of paprika and season generously with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, pressing to help it adhere. Transfer the coated pieces to a wire rack.
In 2 large, deep skillets with tight-fitting lids, heat the oil until it registers 350° on a deep-frying thermometer. Add the chicken to the skillets, cover tightly and cook over moderate heat until the pieces are golden on the bottom, about 12 minutes. Turn the pieces, cover and cook over moderately low heat for 10 minutes. Uncover and cook over moderately high heat, turning once or twice, until the chicken is crisp and deep golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the leg and breast without touching the bone registers 165°, about 10 minutes longer. Drain the chicken on paper towelcovered wire racks and serve.
