Honey Fried Chicken

Ingredients

1½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1½ teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 egg

½ cup milk

½ teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons honey, plus some for drizzling over the top at the end, if desired

1 broiler/fryer chicken (3-4 pounds), cut up into pieces, let the meat sit at room temperature for 30 minutes

Oil for frying (I use peanut oil)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small shallow bowl, mix the first nine ingredients.

In a separate small shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, garlic powder, lemon juice and honey until well blended. Dip the chicken in the flour mixture to coat all sides; shake off excess. Next dip in the egg mixture, then again in the flour mixture. Set chicken aside on a plate to rest for 10 minutes.

Pour the peanut oil into the cast iron skillet over medium high heat (it should be about one inch deep in the skillet, coming about halfway up the food). Heat the peanut oil to 375°F. Fry the chicken, a few pieces at a time (do not crowd), 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer the chicken using tongs onto the baking sheet. Bake in the oven until the chicken is done (165°F). Drizzle a little honey over the top, if desired.