Southern Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food which is crispy, golden-brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. Coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried to perfection, each bite delivers the perfect crunch paired with tender, flavorful chicken.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Southern Fried Chicken
- The Buttermilk Bath: For maximum flavor and tenderness, don’t skip the buttermilk marinade. It’s key to achieving juicy, flavorful meat.
- Double Dredge: For an extra-crispy coating, you can double dredge the chicken. After the first dip in flour, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then dredge it in flour once more.
- Use a Thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in greasy chicken. Fry in batches for the crispiest results.
- Keep the Skin Crispy: Let the chicken rest on a wire rack rather than directly on a plate. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
Variations of Southern Fried Chicken
Southern fried chicken is highly versatile. While the classic recipe is always a crowd-pleaser, you can experiment with various twists to suit your taste.
Spicy Fried Chicken
Add more cayenne pepper or chili powder to your dredging flour for a spicy version of this Southern classic. You can also infuse the buttermilk marinade with hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to turn up the heat.
Buttermilk Brine
Instead of simply marinating the chicken in buttermilk, try brining it for a few hours before frying. A brine solution of buttermilk, salt, and sugar will add extra juiciness and flavor to the chicken.
Herb-Infused Fried Chicken
Add fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano to your flour mixture to give your chicken a unique flavor twist.
Oven-Baked Fried Chicken
For a lighter alternative, you can bake the dredged chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes. Although it won’t have the same deep-fried crunch, it’s still a great option for a healthier take on the dish.
How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken
Southern fried chicken is a perfect main dish for a variety of meals. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside your crispy fried chicken:
- Biscuits: A flaky, buttery biscuit is the quintessential Southern side that pairs perfectly with fried chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with gravy make for a hearty pairing.
- Coleslaw: The cool, crunchy contrast of coleslaw complements the crispy chicken beautifully.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn is another Southern favorite that goes hand-in-hand with fried chicken.
- Greens: Collard greens or spinach add a nice, savory balance to the richness of fried chicken.
How to Store and Reheat Southern Fried Chicken
If you have leftovers, it’s important to store your fried chicken properly to maintain its flavor and texture. Here’s how:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Place the leftover fried chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the skin is crispy again.
- Skillet: Reheat in a hot skillet with a little oil for a few minutes on each side until the chicken is heated through and crispy.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. However, cooking times may vary. Boneless pieces will cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
2. What’s the best oil for frying Southern fried chicken?
Peanut oil or vegetable oil works best for frying, as they have high smoke points and give a nice crispy texture. Avoid using olive oil for frying, as it has a low smoke point and may not give you the best results.
3. Why is my fried chicken not crispy?
Several factors can affect the crispiness of fried chicken. Make sure your oil is hot enough, don’t overcrowd the skillet, and let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying to avoid sogginess.
4. Can I make the chicken spicier?
Yes! You can adjust the heat by increasing the cayenne pepper or adding hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade. For extra spice, try adding sliced jalapeños or chili flakes to the dredging flour.
Southern Fried Chicken
Southern Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food which is crispy, golden-brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. Coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces (or your favorite cuts)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp black pepper
- Peanut oil (for frying)
- Flaked salt (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a large bowl, then season with 2 tsp salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss well. Add the buttermilk and hot sauce, stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Fill a deep fryer or cast-iron skillet with peanut oil and heat to 325°F. If using a skillet, be mindful of temperature fluctuations.
- Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Coat in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. Shake off the excess and set aside.
- Carefully add chicken to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, turning every few minutes. Dark meat takes about 12-14 minutes, and white meat takes 8-10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once fried, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined tray. Sprinkle with flaked salt, and serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 803Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 136mgSodium: 1767mgCarbohydrates: 87gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 52g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
There you have it — the ultimate Southern fried chicken recipe! This dish is a perfect combination of crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat, guaranteed to impress anyone at the dinner table. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Try these other chicken recipes:
