Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Southern cuisine with this mouth-watering Southern Fried Chicken recipe. Perfectly seasoned and fried to a golden crisp, this dish captures the quintessential comfort food experience, making it a hit at any family meal or gathering.
Ready to master the art of Southern frying? Follow this step-by-step guide to create chicken that’s crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Crispy and Savory: Your Ultimate Chicken Recipe
This Southern Fried Chicken isn’t just food; it’s a piece of culinary art, perfected by generations. With the right mix of spices and cooking technique, you can recreate this classic at home.
Expert Tips for Flawless Fried Chicken:
- Marination Magic: Let the chicken marinate in buttermilk to tenderize and infuse it with flavor.
- Seasoning Blend: Mix your spices thoroughly with the flour for an even coat that delivers taste in every bite.
- Frying Perfection: Maintain your oil at the right temperature for frying to ensure each piece is evenly cooked and deliciously crispy.
- Draining Technique: Use a wire rack to drain the chicken to keep the crust crispy and not soggy.

Southern Fried Chicken Recipe:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus marination time)
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Equipment: Large skillet or deep fryer, wire rack, bowl, zip-lock bag
Prepare to wow your guests with this iconic Southern dish that promises a crispy finish with a juicy center.
Ingredients:
- 8 pieces of chicken (mix of drumsticks, wings, breasts, and thighs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- Prepare the Coating: In a large zip-lock bag, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Place pieces in the flour mixture; shake the bag or toss to coat thoroughly.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the chicken pieces.
- Fry the Chicken: Place coated chicken in hot oil. Fry in batches, 8-10 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve: Remove chicken from oil, drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Ready to Savor!
Enjoy your Southern Fried Chicken with sides of your choice for a complete meal that’s sure to delight. This dish not only offers a taste of Southern hospitality but also brings a crisp, flavorful highlight to any dining table.
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Southern Fried Chicken
Prepare to wow your guests with this iconic Southern dish that promises a crispy finish with a juicy center.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 8 pieces of chicken (mix of drumsticks, wings, breasts, and thighs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- Prepare the Coating: In a large zip-lock bag, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Place pieces in the flour mixture; shake the bag or toss to coat thoroughly.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the chicken pieces.
- Fry the Chicken: Place coated chicken in hot oil. Fry in batches, 8-10 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve: Remove chicken from oil, drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marination time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
