If you're craving the perfect combination of sweet and spicy with a crispy crunch, this Southern Fried Chicken is your go-to recipe. It's a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that's sure to impress at any gathering or family meal.
Chicken drumsticks offer a juicy and tender meat that holds flavors well, especially after marinating. Buttermilk is the secret to tenderizing the chicken, while the tanginess complements the heat. Honey adds a natural sweetness, balancing the spicy notes. Hot sauce kicks up the heat — adjust the amount to suit your taste. The flour and cornmeal combination creates the crispy crust, with the cornmeal adding a touch of extra crunch. Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper layer flavor into the coating, making every bite deliciously complex. Salt and black pepper bring all the flavors together.
This fried chicken pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh corn salad. For a fun twist, serve it with waffles and drizzle with syrup for an unexpected but delightful sweet and savory combination.
Start by grabbing a large bowl and mix together the buttermilk, honey, and hot sauce. Make sure it's well combined — you want that flavor to infuse evenly into the chicken. Drop in the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they're fully submerged. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 4 hours. This time allows the chicken to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
While the chicken marinates, prepare your dredge. In another bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix it well to ensure an even distribution of spices. Once the chicken is done marinating, remove it from the buttermilk bath and let any excess drip off.
Now it's time to coat. Dredge each drumstick in the flour mixture, making sure it's thoroughly coated. This is what gives your chicken that irresistible crunch. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the chicken halfway.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place a few drumsticks in the skillet. Don't overcrowd them, or they'll steam instead of fry. Fry each side for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F for safety.
Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil — this keeps it crispy. Serve hot and enjoy your sweet and spicy masterpiece!
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