Southern Fried Chicken
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this classic Southern Fried Chicken. Chicken pieces are brined in tangy buttermilk for tenderness, then coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to a perfect golden-brown crisp. The South's crowning glory, best served hot and fresh.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 lbs Chicken pieces(A mix of bone-in pieces like thighs, drumsticks, and breasts works best.)
- 2 cups Buttermilk(Full-fat buttermilk is recommended for best results.)
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Paprika(Sweet or smoked paprika can be used.)
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper(Adjust to your spice preference.)
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 3-4 cups Vegetable oil or other high smoke point oil(For deep frying. Peanut oil or canola oil are good alternatives.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Brine the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the buttermilk to tenderize the meat.
⏱️ 8-24 hours - 2
Prepare the dredging station: In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This seasoned flour mixture will form the crispy coating.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Coat the chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off but do not rinse. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. For an extra-crispy crust, you can double-dip: dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk briefly, then dredge it again in the flour mixture. Place coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Heat the oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. The oil should be hot enough that a pinch of flour sizzles immediately upon contact.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 5
Fry the chicken: Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil, skin-side down if applicable, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Adjust heat as needed to maintain oil temperature between 325°F and 350°F (160°C-175°C).
⏱️ 20-25 minutes per batch - 6
Drain and rest: Remove fried chicken from the oil using tongs and place it on a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. This allows the chicken to stay crispy. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The buttermilk brine is crucial for both tenderizing the chicken and helping the flour adhere.
- ✓Using a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed Dutch oven provides even heat distribution, essential for consistent frying.
- ✓Frying in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping too much, ensuring a crispy, not greasy, crust.
- ✓Resting the chicken on a wire rack, not paper towels, maintains crispiness.
- ✓Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before adding chicken; too cool and it will be greasy, too hot and it will burn before cooking through.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For Nashville Hot Chicken: Toss the fried chicken in a spicy cayenne-butter sauce immediately after frying.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey butter or a side of hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.