• Source: Prime Time Emeril Cookbook
• Dish Type: Appetizer

Kicked Up Chicken Drummettes with Blue Cheese Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds chicken drummettes (about 20), rinsed and patted dry
• 1/2 cup Emerilís Red Pepper Sauce or other hot pepper sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
• Vegetable oil for deep-frying
• 1 1/2 cups bleached all-purpose flour
• Blue Cheese Sauce

Instructions

Combine the chicken, pepper sauce, salt, and pepper and 1/2 teaspoon Essence in a large shallow nonreactive container. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours.
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Pour enough oil to come halfway up the sides of a large deep heavy pot or electric deep fryer and heat over high heat to 360?F.
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Combine the flour and 2 tablespoons of the Essence in a large mixing bowl and stir to blend. In batches, add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly, then carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil and deep-fry, turning occasionally, until golden-brown, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to drain on paper towels.
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Sprinkle the chicken with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon Essence. Serve immediately, with Blue Cheese Sauce.
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Yield: 4 to 6 appetizer servings