The Best Southern Fried Chicken

Savor the Crispy Delights of The Best Southern Fried Chicken

Embark on a flavor voyage with this The Best Southern Fried Chicken recipe, merging the golden crispiness of deep-fried chicken with a delectable homemade touch.

Whether it’s a laid-back family dinner or a lively weekend gathering, this dish transports the iconic taste of classic Southern frying right to your dining table.
Ideal for an enjoyable evening or a joyous event, this recipe encapsulates the essence of that beloved chicken-fry experience. Ready to elevate your mealtime with a splash of fun and flavor? Let’s dive into this straightforward and utterly rewarding recipe.

Deep, Golden, and Juicy: Your New Go-To Southern Fried Chicken

This The Best Southern Fried Chicken recipe not only recreates crispy skin and tender meat but also amps up the flavor with a perfect blend of spices.
Not just a meal, this is a foray into the art of frying, made simple enough for any home cook to master.
Here’s how you can achieve that signature crunch and mouth-watering taste, complete with professional tips to ensure every piece of chicken turns out wonderfully.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Southern Fried Chicken

1. Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at around 325 °F (or about 163 °C) so the chicken cooks evenly without burning.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Fry in batches so each piece has space—crowding causes uneven cooking and soggy coating.
3. Let the Coating Set Before Frying: After coating, let the chicken rest a few minutes so the flour-mixture adheres well and creates crispiness.
4. Use a Meat Thermometer: The chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C) — especially important for white meat pieces.
5. Drain and Sprinkle Right Away: Once you remove the chicken, place it on a paper-towel lined tray and immediately sprinkle flaky salt if desired to enhance flavor.

The Best Southern Fried Chicken Recipe:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cooking time: Approximately 12 – 14 minutes for dark meat, 8 – 10 minutes for white meat
• Servings: 4 – 6 (depending on size of pieces)
• Equipment: Deep fryer or heavy deep skillet (like cast iron), paper-towel lined tray, mixing bowls

With this crispy fried chicken, your kitchen will transform into a haven of Southern comfort, echoing the tastes of time-honored home cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut up (or 8 pieces of your favorite cuts of chicken)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 Tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• Peanut oil (for frying)
• Flaked salt (for serving, optional)

Directions:

1. Season the Chicken: Place the cut up chicken in a large bowl. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons onion powder on top and toss to coat the chicken in the spices.
2. Marinate: Add 2 cups buttermilk and 2 Tablespoons hot sauce. Stir until everything is combined. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but it’s best if you can let it sit overnight.
3. Prepare the Coating: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup cornstarch, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 2 teaspoons paprika and 2 teaspoons black pepper. Set aside.
4. Heat the Oil: Fill up a deep fryer with peanut oil (or neutral frying oil of your choice) and preheat to 325 °F – you may need to turn down the heat to 300 °F if you notice the skin is getting dark too quickly. Also, if using a cast iron skillet, please remember it holds heat very well so it is easy for it to get too hot so please monitor closely.
5. Coat the Chicken Pieces: Taking the chicken pieces one at a time, let the excess buttermilk drip off. Coat in the flour mixture, making sure the chicken is well coated. Shake off any excess. Set the chicken aside and let it sit for a few minutes until the coating starts to look a little pasty.
6. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken to the deep fryer and continue with the next piece. Don’t add more than three or four pieces at a time. You will need to fry in batches so you do not overcrowd the fryer. Fry until golden brown, turning every few minutes. Chicken is done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 °F. Depending on the size of the chicken, dark meat can take about 12 14 minutes and white meat takes 8 10 minutes (these are estimates—use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness).
7. Drain and Season: When the chicken is done frying, place it on a paper towel-lined sheet tray and immediately sprinkle a little flaked salt on top. Continue with the rest of the chicken pieces.

Ready to Relish!

This dish offers a fabulous taste experience and brings the joy of a classic Southern fried chicken into the comfort of your home.
Whether you’re serving it alongside hearty sides or enjoying it on its own, you’ll discover why this is a go-to recipe for crispiness and flavor.
For another comforting dish, you might want to explore recipes like Easy Dutch Oven No Knead Bread or Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes to round out your menu.
And if you're looking for something sweet afterwards, check out the Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring to finish off the meal.
If you try this The Best Southern Fried Chicken recipe, don’t hesitate to make it your signature dish—because once the crunch hits and the flavor bursts, you’ll know you’ve done it right!

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