Nothing says comfort food quite like Southern Fried Chicken. This dish is a cornerstone of American cuisine—crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. 🍽️ Whether it’s for Sunday dinner or a family gathering, this recipe brings irresistible crispy goodness to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
✅ Golden and ultra-crispy coating
✅ Juicy, flavorful chicken inside
✅ Classic Southern seasoning
✅ Perfect for family meals, picnics, or leftovers
📝 Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces) or 8 chicken drumsticks/thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional but recommended)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Vegetable oil for frying
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce 🌶️. Submerge the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Dredge
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. 🧂 The cornstarch helps create that crunchy texture you’ll love!
3. Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating sticks. Let rest for 10 minutes. 🐔
4. Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady. ⚠️
5. Fry the Chicken
Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain and Rest
Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your crispy fried chicken with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes 🥔
- Buttery corn on the cob 🌽
- Classic coleslaw 🥬
- Biscuits with honey 🍯
👨👩👧👦 Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep the crispiness!
🔍 Keywords
Primary Keyword: Crispy Southern Fried Chicken
Long-Tail Keywords: How to make Southern fried chicken, authentic crispy fried chicken recipe, buttermilk fried chicken recipe