best southern fried chicken recipe

best southern fried chicken recipe

The Best best southern fried chicken recipe

I’m excited to share with you my favorite Southern fried chicken recipe. This dish is a staple in our household and is perfect for any occasion. I love how it brings people together, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner party.

The key to making great fried chicken is in the technique – you want to get that crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. My kids adore this recipe, and I’m sure yours will too. I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years to make it healthier, using organic ingredients and reducing the amount of oil needed for frying.

It’s a game-changer, trust me! My husband loves how it’s easy to make in bulk, so we can have leftovers for days. I’ve even started serving it at potlucks and gatherings, and everyone always asks for the recipe.

It’s become a family tradition to make this dish on special occasions, like holidays and birthdays. But let’s be real – who needs an excuse to make fried chicken? It’s delicious any day of the week!

I’ve included some tips on how to make it extra crispy, so be sure to read on for those secrets. And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of fried food – this recipe uses less oil than traditional methods, making it a healthier option. Plus, the flavor is out of this world!

Best Southern Fried Chicken

Best Southern Fried Chicken

4.7 from 929 votes

This classic southern fried chicken features a perfectly seasoned, crispy golden crust with juicy, tender meat inside. The secret is a buttermilk brine that ensures moisture and flavor in every bite.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brine

2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Coating

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups vegetable oil for frying

Chicken

1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces (about 3-4 pounds)

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
2Add the chicken pieces, turning to coat.
3Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
4In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Mix well.
5Remove chicken from the buttermilk brine, letting excess drip off.
6Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to adhere.
7Place on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes.
8In a large cast iron skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F over medium-high heat.
9The oil should be about 1 inch deep.
10Carefully place chicken pieces skin-side down in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
11Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the coating is deep golden brown and crispy.
12Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
13Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
14The chicken should be piping hot with a crunchy crust and moist interior.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Shallow dish
Paper towels
Large cast iron skillet or heavy pot
Meat thermometer
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying. Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking.

Watch Video Of How Best Southern Fried Chicken Works

This Southern fried chicken recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a delicious meal for your family. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months.

When reheating, simply place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) until crispy again. My kids love helping me serve this dish at family gatherings – they get so excited when they see that golden-brown goodness on their plates!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Fried Chicken

1.

Q: What type of flour should I use for Southern fried chicken?
A: You can use either all-purpose flour or cornstarch for dusting the chicken before frying. However, I prefer using cornstarch as it gives the chicken a lighter coating and helps it stay crispy longer.

2.

Q: Can I bake instead of fry?
A: Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven instead of frying it. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 30-40 minutes or until cooked through.

3.

Q: How do I get the coating to stick?
A: To ensure the coating adheres properly, make sure your chicken pieces are dry before dredging them in flour or cornstarch. You can also chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before frying.

4.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with white vinegar or lemon juice. The acidity will help break down the proteins in the milk, creating a similar effect to buttermilk.

5.

Q: Can I use different seasonings?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique flavor profiles. Some popular options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs like thyme or oregano.

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