Fried Chicken
1 Broiler Fryer, cut up
3 C. Water
1 T. Salt
2 tsp. Fines Herbes
2 tsp. Onion Powder
2 tsp. Seasoned Salt
2 envelopes Instant Chicken Broth
1/4 tsp. Pepper
1 C. Flour
Fat for Frying
Chicken Broth
Chicken Gravy
Cover chicken with a mixture of water and salt in medium bowl. Chill at least 1 hour. Whirl fines herbs, onion powder, seasoned salt, instant chicken broth and pepper in blender or crush in mortar and pestle until very fine powder. Combine with flour in plastic bag. Remove chicken pieces from cold water. Shake in bag in flour mixture while still wt until thickly coated with flour. Melt enough shortening or pour in enough salad oil to make 1 inch depth in a heavy skillet or chicken fryer. Fry chicken pieces, turning once, 5 minutes on each side. Lift out with slotted spoon; drain well on paper toweling. When all pieces are fried, drain fat from skillet. Add 1 cup chicken broth; return chicken pieces, cover skillet. Cook 15 minutes or until chicken pieces are fork tender. Remove from pan. Keep warm while making gravy.
Chicken Broth: Place salted water in which chicken soaked and chicken giblets in a small saucepan. Add 2 onion slices and a handful of celery tops. Cover and simmer 30 minutes.
Chicken Gravy: Strain and add remaining broth to skillet that chicken was cooked in. Heat to boiling, stirring and scraping bottom and sides of pan. Make a paste with 4 T. flour and 1/2 C. cold water in a small cup. Stir into boiling liquid; continue stirring and cooking 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Darken with gravy coloring, if desired. Add chopped giblets and simmer 2 minutes longer.