At the end of a long day when you are beyond exhausted and unable to process another thought, have you ever used the phrase “I am completely fried”? If you have, then you probably know the word “fried” is slang for “tired, worn out, or exhausted”. (It’s also slang for drunk or intoxicated, so be careful that your listeners understand what you mean if you describe yourself in this manner! Lol!)

In this case, I promise you the “fried” chicken presented here is neither exhausted nor stoned, and it is, in fact, one of the most delicious fried chicken recipes you will ever prepare! The last thing you need when you’re feeling “fried”, is a complicated recipe that requires more energy than you have to offer and puts you in a “fowl” mood. This is not one!

So let’s get frying!

Fried Boneless Chicken Breasts
Serves: 2-4

Ingredients:

4-6 thinly cut boneless skinless chicken breasts
1-1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
3-4 dashes of hot sauce
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup of milk stirred with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar and let sit for 15 minutes)
Canola cooking oil – enough for frying (about ½” in a large skillet)

Directions:

Combine hot sauce and buttermilk. In a separate bowl (or a zip-loc gallon bag), combine the flour, seasonings, and herbs together. Heat the cooking oil over medium heat until heated. Dip the chicken into the buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, and add to the hot skillet. Fry on each side, turning every 3 minutes until cooked (cooking time is 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken).Serve with warmed barbecue sauce and buttered corn on the cob, or some mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

So, are you feeling a little “fried”? I hope that your times of exhaustion are few and far between or, even better, non-existent. But I know that life, at times, can simply wear us out … as we’re busy doing life, juggling responsibilities, facing deadlines, pressure, and stress, and trying to get it all done. If you are battling exhaustion or weariness, it is in those times that Jesus says “Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.” (Mark 6:31)

Your world won’t end if you take a break. The Lord is fully in control and “in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17) … even your little piece of the world. If you stop and catch your breath for a minute, everything is not going to fall apart. In fact, this is where faith comes in. Even though you may be completely exhausted, if you refuse to take a break, could it be you lack the faith to believe God is in charge and He can handle things without you?

Come away with Jesus to a quiet place and rest for a while. He will refresh and restore you because He loves you. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) “I give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29)

– Cheri Henderson