Country Fried Turkey Recipe
Country Fried Turkey, crunchy and juicy and inspired by a popular chicken chain, is an ideal Thanksgiving main.
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Instructions
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Whisk paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, poultry seasoning, and ground ginger to create a spice blend.
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Prepare turkey: remove skin and bones from thighs, then cut thighs in half or thirds and slice breast into 1-inch steaks.
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Combine eggs, buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of the spice blend, and salt (omit if turkey is pre-brined) to create the brine.
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Submerge turkey pieces in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 8 to 16 hours.
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Preheat the oven to 325F. Remove turkey from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for one hour while preparing two baking sheets with racks.
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Heat oil to 350F in a large skillet.
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Whisk flour, the remaining spice blend, baking powder, and salt in a large dish, then gradually drizzle in about 1/2 cup of brine, stirring to form clumps.
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Coat drumsticks thoroughly in the flour mixture. Fry them in the hot oil for about 10 minutes per side until golden and crisp, adjusting heat to maintain 325F.
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Transfer fried drumsticks to a prepared rack and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165F is reached.
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Reheat oil to 350F. Coat thighs in flour and fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side until crisp; add to the oven.
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Coat breast pieces and fry in batches; place on the second prepared rack.
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After drumsticks are cooked, reduce oven to 200F; transfer breast pieces to the oven to keep warm.
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Arrange turkey pieces on a platter and serve.