Mexican fried chicken

Fried chicken is one of our favorite hot weather foods. Incidentally, so is anything Mexican (and here's the indisputable proof).

Mexican fried chicken,is the recipe in the spirit of all things hot, fried, crunchy and especially festive. There's a little heat in the breading, with ground spices for extra flavor. Oh and before the chicken sees any of that, it hangs out in a honey-vinegar marinade for several hours, so don't worry about it drying out. No chance.

Servings: 4 to 6

Mexican fried chicken

Ingredients

3/4 cup Mexican or other honey, plus more for drizzling

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

2 large pieces bone-in skin-on chicken breast, 2 large pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken breast, each cut in half across the breast to produce 4 pieces similar in shape and size to thighs

4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs

4 chicken drumsticks, skin on

Salt and pepper

oil for frying, such as soy or canola

4 extra-large egg whites

3/4 cup cornmeal or fine breadcrumbs

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon ancho or medium-heat chili powder

1/2 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon granulated onion

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon coriander

1 lime, cut into wedges for garnish

Directions: 

1. Mix honey and vinegar in a bowl and add chicken. Toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours. Drain chicken pieces on paper towels and season with salt and pepper.   
2. Heat 3 inches of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Oil should reach between 350°F and 375°F for frying.   
3. Beat egg whites in a shallow dish. Combine cornmeal or breadcrumbs with flour, baking powder and spices.   
4. Coat the chicken pieces in the egg whites then toss in the flour mixture. Fry  in small batches, 12-14 minutes per batch, until deep golden and juices run clear. Season hot chicken with a little extra salt as they come out.   
5. Serve with lime wedges, honey for drizzling and your favorite assortment of hot sauces.  For a fresh accompaniment slice up a tomato, red onion, green cabbage and avocado and serve.