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### **Instructions:**
#### **1. Preparing the Fried Chicken:**
Start by prepping the chicken for frying. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk (or regular milk with lemon juice), egg, and hot sauce. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then place the chicken pieces into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Let the chicken marinate in the mixture for at least 30 minutes in the fridge—this will help keep it moist during frying.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the flour mixture. In another shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix it well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk and dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Set the coated chicken aside on a plate.
#### **2. Preparing the Fried Shrimp:**
For the shrimp, place the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper into a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and hot sauce together.
Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture and then coat it with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Set the shrimp aside on a plate while you prepare to fry them.
#### **3. Preparing the Fries:**
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and peel the russet potatoes, then cut them into thin, even strips for fries. For crispier fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes, as this helps remove excess starch.
After soaking, drain and pat the fries dry with a paper towel. Place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in an even layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness, until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
#### **4. Frying the Chicken and Shrimp:**
While the fries are baking, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small amount of flour into the oil – if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once fried, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
In the same oil, fry the shrimp in small batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden and crispy. Remove and place them on paper towels to drain.
#### **5. Serving the Ultimate Fried Feast:**
Now that everything is fried to perfection, it’s time to serve your Ultimate Fried Feast! Arrange the crispy fried chicken, shrimp, and fries on a platter or individual plates. You can serve the feast alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, sweet chili sauce, or spicy mayo for an extra punch of flavor.
### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
– **Crispy and Flavorful:** Each component of this feast—from the fried chicken to the shrimp and fries—is seasoned and fried to perfection for maximum crispiness and flavor.
– **Versatile:** This Ultimate Fried Feast can be tailored to your preferences. Feel free to adjust the seasoning, add your favorite sauces, or include other fried items like onion rings or hushpuppies.
– **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a party, or a casual get-together, this recipe has all the elements to satisfy a crowd and impress your guests.
### **Tips for the Perfect Fried Feast:**
– **Double-Coating:** For extra crispy fried chicken and shrimp, dip them in the egg and flour mixture twice before frying.
– **Oil Temperature:** Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the food will burn; if it’s too cool, it will become greasy. Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.
– **Make-Ahead Option:** You can prep the chicken and shrimp in advance. Marinate the chicken and coat both the chicken and shrimp the day before. When you’re ready to fry, they’ll be all set to go.
### **Final Thoughts:**
This Ultimate Fried Feast is the ultimate comfort food, offering everything you could want in a fried meal: crispy fried chicken, perfectly battered shrimp, and golden fries, all served with your favorite dipping sauces. Whether it’s for a weekend treat or a special celebration, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. Get ready to indulge in the crispy, crunchy goodness of this fried feast—your taste buds will thank you!
