Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Recipe You’ll Love Today

The aroma of southern fried chicken wafts through the air, a tantalizing symphony of spices and crispy goodness. Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken that crunches with every bite, revealing tender, juicy meat inside.

Every family gathering or Sunday dinner feels incomplete without this classic dish gracing the table. It brings back memories of laughter and warmth, as plates pile high and everyone digs in with gusto—after all, who can resist such deliciousness?

I still remember the first time I made southern fried chicken for my friends; their eyes lit up as they took that first crispy bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Chicken Pieces: Choose bone-in, skin-on pieces for maximum flavor and juiciness.

• Buttermilk: A key ingredient that tenderizes the chicken and adds a rich tang.

• All-Purpose Flour: This will create the crispy coating we’re all dreaming about.

• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a delightful kick—adjust according to your heat preference.

• Garlic Powder: Essential for that savory depth of flavor we can’t live without.

• Salt and Pepper: Simple but crucial for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.

• Oil for Frying: Use vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying; they have high smoke points.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Marinate the Chicken: Begin by placing your chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour buttermilk over them until fully submerged and add salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight if you can wait.

Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined—this is where magic happens!

Dredge the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge; let excess buttermilk drip off before dredging each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture. Ensure every nook and cranny gets coated; we want maximum crunch!

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test readiness by dropping a tiny bit of batter in; it should sizzle immediately.

Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for about 15-18 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through—use a meat thermometer to check that internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C).

Drain and Serve!: Remove fried chicken from oil and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to catch any excess grease. Let cool slightly before serving to keep that crispy crust intact!

And there you have it! Your very own batch of southern fried chicken that’s sure to impress even your pickiest eaters. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavors deeply, then dredge in seasoned flour before frying to achieve perfect crispiness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for extra heat or add garlic powder for more flavor depth.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Memories of my grandma’s southern fried chicken still linger; her secret was always a pinch of love and laughter in every bite.

FAQ

What oil should I use for frying southern fried chicken?

Use vegetable oil or peanut oil for high smoke points and great flavor.

Can I bake instead of fry southern fried chicken?

Yes, baking is healthier; coat with oil and bake at 425°F until golden brown.

How do I keep my fried chicken crispy after cooking?

Let it rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.

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Southern Fried Chicken

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• Author: Maria Del
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Southern fried chicken is a beloved classic that brings warmth and joy to every gathering. With its crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy meat, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to picnics, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees mouthwatering results that will impress your guests and evoke nostalgic memories with every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut)

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Instructions

1. 1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk mixed with salt and pepper for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. 2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3. Remove chicken from marinade; let excess buttermilk drip off and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated.
4. 4. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry chicken for 15-18 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
5. 5. Drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken piece (150g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg