Southern Comfort on a Plate: Discover the Best Southern Fried Chicken
Delight in the crunch and savor every bite with this Southern Fried Chicken recipe, a beloved staple from the heart of the South. This dish is all about tradition and taste, marrying a crispy exterior with succulent, moist chicken inside. It’s not just food; it’s a culinary journey to the roots of Southern cooking.
A Crunchy Delight: The Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Meticulously perfected over years, this recipe guarantees a crispy, golden crust paired with tender chicken. It’s a testament to patience and passion for cooking, promising to deliver not just a meal but an unforgettable dining experience. Let’s dive into making the best Southern fried chicken that will have everyone asking for more.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken
- Marination Magic: Let the chicken marinate overnight in the fridge to deepen the flavors and ensure juiciness.
- Flour Power: Double coat the chicken by dipping it twice in the flour mixture to achieve that signature crunchy texture.
- Controlled Cooking: Monitor your oil temperature carefully—too hot, and the chicken will burn; too cool, and it will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Resting Time: Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess and maintain crispiness.
- Season Immediately: Sprinkle flaked salt on the freshly fried chicken to enhance its savory flavor.
Southern Fried Chicken: A Recipe for Perfection
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 14 minutes
- Chilling: 8 hours
- Total time: 8 hours 24 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Equipment: Large bowl, medium bowl, deep fryer or skillet
Fried chicken is a versatile dish that fits any occasion, making it a favorite for family dinners and social gatherings alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut up or 8 pieces of your preferred cuts
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- Peanut oil for frying
- Flaked salt for serving (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with 2 teaspoons kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Marinate: Stir in buttermilk and hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, the remaining 2 teaspoons kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper.
- Heat Oil: Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 325°F. Adjust heat as necessary during cooking.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, shake off the excess, and let sit until the coating becomes paste-like.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry in batches, 3-4 pieces at a time, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Typically, dark meat takes 12-14 minutes; white meat takes 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and Serve: Place cooked chicken on a rack and sprinkle with flaked salt.
Every Bite a Delight
Enjoy this crispy, flavorful Southern Fried Chicken that brings the essence of the South right to your table. Perfect for any day of the week, it’s a dish that promises satisfaction and comfort with every bite.
PrintSouthern Fried Chicken Batter
Fried chicken is a versatile dish that fits any occasion, making it a favorite for family dinners and social gatherings alike.
- Total Time: 8 hours 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut up or 8 pieces of your preferred cuts
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- Peanut oil for frying
- Flaked salt for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with 2 teaspoons kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Marinate: Stir in buttermilk and hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, the remaining 2 teaspoons kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper.
- Heat Oil: Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 325°F. Adjust heat as necessary during cooking.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, shake off the excess, and let sit until the coating becomes paste-like.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry in batches, 3-4 pieces at a time, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Typically, dark meat takes 12-14 minutes; white meat takes 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and Serve: Place cooked chicken on a rack and sprinkle with flaked salt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 14 minutes