Southern Fried Chicken: A Classic Recipe
Indulge in the irresistible taste of authentic Southern Fried Chicken, a true American comfort food. This recipe guarantees perfectly cooked, crispy, and flavorful chicken every time.
Table of Contents
- Southern Fried Chicken: The Perfect Recipe
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Ingredients
- Equipment
- Southern Fried Chicken FAQs
- Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
Southern Fried Chicken: The Perfect Recipe
Southern Fried Chicken is a beloved dish for a reason! It’s a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be intimidated by frying; with the right techniques, you can easily create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.
The key to perfect fried chicken is patience. Avoid cooking the chicken too quickly, as this will result in a burnt exterior and raw interior. Depending on the size of your chicken pieces, expect cooking times of 10-20 minutes per side. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. This is the golden rule!
Another secret? Buttermilk! Marinating the chicken in buttermilk before frying adds incredible flavor and ensures the chicken is tender and juicy. Don’t forget to season your flour mixture well for that extra burst of flavor. This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices to personalize the taste to your liking.
Get ready to enjoy a simple, yet incredibly delicious, crispy chicken recipe that your family and friends will adore. Grab your favorite cuts of chicken and prepare for a truly memorable meal!
Southern Fried Chicken: Ingredients & Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to create this classic Southern Fried Chicken:
Ingredients
- Chicken: Approximately 3 pounds of chicken pieces of your choice (bone-in or boneless).
- Buttermilk & Hot Pepper Sauce: For marinating the chicken (2-8 hours in the fridge) to add a tangy, slightly spicy flavor.
- Flour, Salt, Pepper, Paprika & Garlic Powder: Essential for the crispy breading. Don’t be shy with the seasonings!
- Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken to a golden crisp.
Equipment
- Bowls: Two large bowls for mixing the marinade and breading.
- Skillet: A large, deep skillet for frying your chicken the traditional Southern way.
Note: Serve your fried chicken with your preferred condiments, or enjoy it as is. Many people enjoy serving it with hot sauce.
Southern Fried Chicken: FAQs
How many servings does this Crispy Chicken recipe make?
This recipe typically yields 8 servings. Portion sizes can vary.
How long does it take to make Southern Fried Chicken?
Prep time is about 20 minutes, followed by a 2-8 hour marinating period. Cooking time is roughly 30 minutes.
Can I use a deep fat fryer instead of a skillet?
Yes, absolutely! Just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest parts of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through.
Besides vegetable oil, what other oils are good for fried chicken?
Peanut oil is a great choice. Canola oil is a healthier option, and coconut oil can work well, too. Sunflower oil is another possibility, though it can be more expensive.
How do I check the oil temperature in my skillet before/during cooking?
Checking the oil temperature is crucial for preventing soggy, greasy chicken. A thermometer is your best friend here. Aim for an oil temperature consistently around 350°F (175°C) during frying.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Ranch Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
- Loaded Bacon and Cheese Fries
- Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
- Green Bean Fries
- Fried Apples
Southern Fried Chicken
By Jamie Sherman
A classic recipe for deliciously crispy Southern fried chicken, perfect every time!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken pieces of your choice
- 1 quart buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot pepper sauce. Mix well. Add the chicken pieces and allow them to marinate for 2-8 hours, covered, in the refrigerator.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, coating them evenly. Shake off excess flour and dip the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture. Coat well. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and allow the excess to drip off. Add the chicken pieces back into the flour mixture, one at a time, coating well. Set the coated pieces on the wax paper for 10-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil to 350° F in a large, deep skillet. It should be about one to two inches deep.
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F., flipping once. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan, frying in batches if necessary.
- Remove the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and allow it to drain. Repeat frying with any remaining chicken.
Notes
- You can also use a deep fat fryer to fry your chicken instead of a skillet. It is still important to ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For extra flavor, season the freshly fried chicken with a sprinkle of salt.
- If you prefer, you can use peanut oil in place of the vegetable oil.
- In our house, we serve this with hot sauce on the table! Texas Pete is our favorite!
Nutrition Information (Approximation)
Serving: 1 piece of chicken, Calories: 497kcal, Carbohydrates: 42g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 100mg, Sodium: 293mg, Potassium: 453mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 610IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 158mg, Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.