Southern fried chicken is a beloved classic known for its crispy, golden-brown crust and juicy, tender interior. It’s a comfort food favorite that’s perfect for family gatherings and special occasions. Here’s a recipe for the best Southern fried chicken:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 3 to 4 pounds of chicken pieces (such as drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breast cut into pieces)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Dredge:
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged.
- Let the chicken marinate in the buttermilk for at least 1 hour, or you can refrigerate it overnight for even better flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the Dredge:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This will be your dredging mixture.
3. Dredge the Chicken:
- Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the chicken in the dredging mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to create a good crust.
- Place the coated chicken on a wire rack or baking sheet and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the coating to adhere better.
4. Heat the Oil:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, add enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, one at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Fry the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- The chicken is done when it’s golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for all pieces.
6. Drain and Rest:
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried chicken from the oil.
- Place the chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your Southern fried chicken hot and crispy. It’s delicious on its own, with biscuits, coleslaw, or your favorite side dishes.
This recipe for the best Southern fried chicken will give you crispy, flavorful results that are sure to satisfy your cravings for this classic comfort food. Enjoy the delicious combination of a crispy exterior and juicy, tender meat with every bite.