Salt-Roasted Spring Chicken
- Easy
- 1 h 5 min
Galletto fritto is Italy's awesome twist on the fried chicken recipe we all know from the States. And look, it brings its own flair. Down in Southern Italy, especially around Campania and Calabria, cooks pick young rooster, or "galletto," for that extra juicy and flavorful bite. Seriously, it's really really tender inside with that crispy crust outside. And you know what? Locals use their beloved olive oil—maybe toss in a hint of local spice—to turn a basic chicken into something special. Compared to the classic American southern fried chicken, Italian galletto fritto keeps it simple. Thing is, they rely on amazing ingredients and a good eye for the perfect crust. The result is a crispy fried chicken with those golden bites—so Mediterranean!
In Southern Italy, there are loads of poultry dishes, but galletto fritto? It shows off the Italian knack for twisting a classic American fried chicken concept. Some cooks throw in herbs like rosemary or a squeeze of fresh local lemon. And gives it a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the crunch. And listen, unlike the buttermilk version from the US, Italians might skip the marinade. Focus is on that crispy, tender finish. You get other regional takes too—like "galletto alla diavola" for some heat or "galletto al sale" for a salty crust. Whatever style you go for, this homemade fried chicken makes any meal feel like a real event. Seriously good.
People love to gather around a plate of this easy fried chicken recipe, especially when it's hot and juicy right out of the fryer. So, if you're craving a southern fried chicken with a touch of fancy, galletto fritto from Southern Italy is your go-to. I mean, it's perfect for those who appreciate flavorful, authentic cooking. Plus, you get to enjoy something that's both familiar and refreshingly different. And the sauce? Can't go wrong.
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To make the fried spring chicken, take the whole chicken, place it on the cutting board with the breast facing up, and cut along both sides of the central bone 1, then give it a few taps to break the bone. Open the chicken and remove the bone 2. Turn it over and lightly press it with your hands 3.
Now prepare the batter: in a bowl, pour the flour 4 and water 5, mix with a whisk until a well-blended mixture is obtained 6.
Dip the chicken in it 7 and move it well so that the batter completely covers it 8. Then pass it through the breadcrumbs 9, which you have previously poured onto a plate, making sure not to leave any part uncovered.
Put the chicken on a clean plate 10 and leave it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes; this step will help the breading adhere better. Meanwhile, heat the oil 11 until it reaches 340°F (the perfect temperature for frying). After the necessary time, immerse the chicken in the oil 12 and let it fry for about 5 minutes on one side without moving it, then turn it and let it fry until it is completely golden and crispy.
Drain it with a slotted spoon 13 and place it on a tray lined with paper towels 14. Salt to taste and serve the fried spring chicken piping hot 15.