Crispy Fried Chicken Compartments

Southern cooks have long soaked chicken in buttermilk before a spiced flour dredge for that shatter-crisp crust. Hot sauce in the bath and cornstarch in the coating give these thighs and drumsticks extra crunch and kick.

Serves 4 · 20 min prep · 25 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 680 cal
• 38g protein
• 48g carbs
• 38g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 2.5 lb bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 1.5 cups buttermilk
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup instant mashed potato flakes
• 1.5 cups milk
• 4 small frozen brownie bites or chocolate pudding cups

Instructions

1. 1Pat the chicken pieces dry. In a bowl, whisk the buttermilk with hot sauce, then submerge the chicken and let it sit at room temperature 15 minutes while you prep the dredge and sides.
2. 2In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
3. 3Heat vegetable oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep 12-inch skillet to 350°F. Lift chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing so the coating sticks.
4. 4Fry chicken in batches without crowding, 12 to 15 minutes total, turning once, until deep golden brown and the thickest part registers 175°F. Drain on a wire rack set over a sheet pan.
5. 5While chicken fries, prepare quick mashed potatoes: heat the milk and half the butter in a saucepan until steaming, then stir in potato flakes until thick and fluffy; season with salt and pepper.
6. 6In a small skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat, add the frozen corn, and sauté 4 to 5 minutes until hot and lightly caramelized at the edges.
7. 7Warm the brownie bites or pudding cups briefly if desired so the dessert compartment feels fresh from the tray.
8. 8Build each compartment plate: pile crispy fried chicken in the largest section, scoop mashed potatoes beside it, add a portion of buttered corn, and tuck the sweet treat into the final corner for true TV-dinner nostalgia.
9. 9Serve hot with extra salt and pepper at the table so everyone can finish their tray exactly how they like it.