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Oven-Fried Squirrel

Oven-Fried Squirrel

A classic preparation for tender squirrel, oven-fried to golden perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 1

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • 2 shallow bowls
  • Large skillet (oven-safe, if possible)
  • Wooden spoon
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 squirrel cleaned and cut into serving pieces
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup seasoned coating mix such as Fryin' Magic
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chicken broth dry white wine, or water
  • Optional Spices: 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Prepare Squirrel: Pat the squirrel pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere and ensures better browning.
  • Prepare Coating:
  • In one shallow bowl, crack and beat the eggs with a fork until well combined.
  • In the other shallow bowl, combine the seasoned coating mix, flour, and any optional spices (paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, if using).
  • Brown the Squirrel:
  • In a large skillet (preferably oven-safe) over medium heat, combine the olive oil, canola oil (or vegetable oil), and butter. Heat until the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering.
  • Dip each piece of squirrel into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Immediately dredge the egg-coated squirrel in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it's evenly coated.
  • Place the coated squirrel pieces in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Brown the meat on all sides until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. You may need to do this in batches.
  • Bake the Squirrel:
  • Transfer the browned squirrel pieces to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Make the Gravy:
  • If using an oven-safe skillet, you can deglaze it directly. If not, transfer the skillet drippings to a regular skillet on the stovetop.
  • Pour the chicken broth, white wine, or water into the skillet used for browning (or the skillet with drippings).
  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. This adds flavor to the gravy.
  • Pour the liquid and any loosened browned bits evenly over the squirrel pieces in the baking dish.
  • Bake: Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the squirrel meat is tender and cooked through. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of a piece; the meat should be easily pierced.
  • Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Keyword cooking squirrel, squirrel, squirrel meat