Southern Style Fried Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Southern Style Fried Chicken is the epitome of comfort food, offering crispy skin and juicy meat with every bite. This recipe will guide you through creating a homemade version that's sure to impress, whether it's your first time making fried chicken or you're a seasoned pro.

Ingredients for Southern Style Fried Chicken

The star of the show is, of course, the chicken. Using a whole chicken cut into pieces ensures you get a variety of textures and flavors, from the tender breast to the succulent thigh. The all-purpose flour is our base for the crispy coating, while the salt and black pepper provide foundational seasoning. Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder bring depth and warmth, while a touch of cayenne pepper adds a hint of heat. The buttermilk and eggs create a rich, tangy marinade that helps the flour mixture adhere to the chicken, ensuring a crispy finish. Finally, vegetable oil is used for frying, offering a neutral flavor and high smoke point.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature to avoid undercooking or burning the chicken.
  • Letting the chicken rest after coating helps the breading stick better during frying.
  • For extra crispy skin, double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixtures.
  • Fry similar-sized pieces together to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs perfectly with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. For a touch of freshness, serve with a simple salad or some pickled vegetables to cut through the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts only?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be mindful of cooking times as they may vary.
How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While baking won't give you the same crispiness, you can bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

Southern Style Fried Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab a large bowl and mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This will be your flavorful breading. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk and eggs until smooth. This mixture will help the breading stick to the chicken.

Next, dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Set the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This brief resting period helps the coating adhere better.

While the chicken rests, pour enough vegetable oil into a large heavy skillet to fill it about an inch deep. Heat the oil to 350°F — you can use a thermometer to ensure accuracy. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, skin side down first, and fry in batches. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean wire rack to drain any excess oil. Serve while still hot, and enjoy your homemade Southern Style Fried Chicken!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Achieve that perfect crispy crust and juicy interior every time.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
  • Easy-to-follow steps that demystify the frying process.
  • Customizable spice levels to suit your taste.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), cut into pieces
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
Vegetable oil, for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Begin by mixing the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
3. Dip each piece of chicken in the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring all sides are well-coated.
4. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to set the coating.
5. In a large heavy skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to fill the pan by about an inch and heat to 350°F.
6. Fry the chicken in batches, skin side down first, until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Remove the chicken from the oil and place on a clean wire rack to drain excess oil.
8. Serve hot and enjoy your perfect Southern Style Fried Chicken.

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