Irresistible Southern Fried Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

The scent of Southern fried chicken wafts through the air, a tantalizing blend of spices that beckons you into the kitchen. Its golden-brown crust glistens, promising crunch with every bite while juicy, tender meat waits beneath that crispy exterior.

Every family gathering in my house was incomplete without a plate of this beloved dish. Whether at a summer barbecue or Sunday dinner, Southern fried chicken always stole the show—everyone would gather around, forks at the ready, as I recounted how I perfected this recipe over years of trial and error.

Sharing this meal brings smiles and happy memories—just last week, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Whole Chicken: A cut-up whole chicken works best; it provides a variety of juicy pieces for everyone to enjoy.

• Buttermilk: Using buttermilk not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a rich flavor that’s hard to beat.

• All-Purpose Flour: A great base for your seasoned coating; it helps achieve that fantastic crunch.

• Seasonings: Think garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper; these will elevate the flavor profile beautifully.

• Vegetable Oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point for frying—canola or peanut oil are excellent choices.

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 and covering them with buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least two hours or overnight for maximum tenderness.

Prepare the Seasoned Flour: In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly blended.

Dredge the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk and shake off excess liquid. Coat thoroughly with your seasoned flour mixture. Don’t be shy; really press that flour onto the chicken!

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test readiness by dropping in a bit of flour; if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!

Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry until golden brown on all sides—about 15-18 minutes total for larger pieces. Use tongs to turn them halfway through.

Drain and Serve: Once cooked through and golden brown, transfer the chicken onto a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow resting for about five minutes before serving hot.

Enjoying Southern fried chicken is more than just eating; it’s about gathering loved ones around your table and savoring those southern flavors together!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken overnight, then dredge in seasoned flour before frying. Heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden brown, ensuring even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add garlic powder or cayenne pepper to the flour for extra zing. Experiment with different herbs or spices to create your signature flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F to restore crispiness.

Sometimes, I reminisce about the first time I made Southern Fried Chicken for my family—my dad declared it “better than Grandma’s!” Talk about pressure for round two!

FAQ

How long should I marinate Southern Fried Chicken?

Marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.

What oil is best for frying chicken?

Peanut oil is ideal due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Can I bake Southern Fried Chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through.

Print

Southern Fried Chicken

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Southern Fried Chicken recipe. With its perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust and juicy, tender meat, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings back cherished memories of family gatherings. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a plate of this irresistible classic!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. 1. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum tenderness.
2. 2. Prepare seasoned flour: In a separate bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3. Dredge the chicken: Remove each piece from the buttermilk and shake off excess. Coat thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture.
4. 4. Heat oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. 5. Fry the chicken: Carefully place coated chicken pieces into hot oil without overcrowding. Fry until golden brown on all sides (about 15-18 minutes for larger pieces). Use tongs to turn halfway through.
6. 6. Drain and serve: Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for about five minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (75g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, add more spices like onion powder or herbs such as thyme or oregano. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat in the oven at 375°F.