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A Taste of Comfort: Chef Art Smith's Southern Fried Chicken Inspired Recipe

by Seema Sanghavi

There are certain recipes that do more than just feed us; they wrap us in a story of comfort, family, and tradition. For me, the joy of sharing a meal has always been a powerful force, and it’s the very heart of our story and why this company began. It’s this belief in the power of food that connects our entire community—from the talented artisans who craft our aprons to the celebrated chefs who share our mission.

That's why I'm so thrilled to share this incredible buttermilk fried chicken recipe, inspired by our friend and culinary partner, Chef Art Smith. He's a master of Southern cooking, and this dish is a true taste of comfort. Every time you cook a meal like this, you’re not just feeding your loved ones; you’re participating in a global movement of kindness.

The Story Behind This Recipe: A Partnership for People and Plate

Our collaborations are built on shared values. When we partner with a chef, it's because they believe, as we do, that food can be a powerful tool for change. Chef Art Smith, known for his award-winning Southern cuisine and for being the personal chef to Oprah Winfrey, brings his incredible expertise and a deep commitment to community to our table. The apron he inspired isn't just a product; it's a symbol of our shared goal to fight hunger in the most socially responsible way possible.

Chef Art Smith's Buttermilk Fried Chicken Inspired Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (about 3.5-4 lbs), cut into 8 pieces
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional, for a unique twist)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your taste)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garam masala, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight.
  2. In a separate shallow bowl or dish, mix the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt.
  3. Take the chicken pieces out of the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere for an extra crispy finish.
  4. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and heat it to 350°F.
  5. Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 7–9 minutes per side, until the chicken is a deep golden brown and the juices run clear.
  6. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Let it rest for a few moments before serving.

Tips for Picture-Perfect Fried Chicken

  • Don't Rush the Marinade: The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds incredible flavor. For the best results, let it marinate overnight.
  • Maintain Your Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep your oil at a steady 350°F. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will be greasy; if it's too hot, the crust will burn before the meat is cooked.
  • Give it Space: Don't overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches ensures each piece has enough room to cook evenly and develop a perfectly crispy crust.

The Perfect Uniform for the Job: The Art Smith Apron

A recipe like this one is a joyful, hands-on experience, and that calls for a great apron. When we designed The Art Smith Apron, we knew it had to be as hardworking and reliable as the chef who inspired it. Made from durable, high-quality fabric, it’s designed to handle the splatters and spills of a busy kitchen, so you can focus on the cooking. It’s a professional-grade tool for the home cook who values both function and purpose.

Shop The Art Smith Apron

A Meal That Matters: How This Recipe Fights Hunger

The best part of this story isn't just the delicious food—it's the impact we make together. We founded this company on a simple but powerful promise: 1 apron = 100 meals. This means that for every apron we sell, including this one, we provide 100 meals to people facing hunger through our partnerships with incredible food-rescue charities like Second Harvest and No Kid Hungry. At the same time, each apron provides fair, safe employment to the women who make them in Delhi, India, each one featuring a hangtag signed by the artisan who created it. It's a full-circle story of empowerment—from the maker to you, and back to the community.

Join Our Community of Cooks Who Feed

Ready to be part of the solution? Every apron you purchase funds 100 meals and empowers the artisan who made it. Explore the collection and make your impact.

Find Your Apron, Fund 100 Meals Meet the Artisans

We'd love to see your culinary creations! Tag @CooksWhoFeed on social media and use the hashtag #CooksWhoFeed to share your Southern fried chicken with our community.

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