Homemade Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
Chicken & Marinade:
- 4 lbs (1.8 kg) chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, breasts), bone-in and skin-on
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (optional, for extra crisp)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano (optional)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil (enough to fill a pot 2-3 inches deep)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
- Submerge chicken pieces in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight for best results).
2. Prepare Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch (if using), salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs. Mix well.
3. Dredge the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Roll each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere. For extra crunch, dip back into buttermilk and coat again in flour.
4. Heat the Oil:
- Pour oil into a heavy pot (Dutch oven works well) until 2-3 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor.
5. Fry the Chicken:
- Fry in batches to avoid crowding. Cook dark meat (thighs, legs) for 12-15 minutes, white meat (breasts, wings) for 8-10 minutes. Turn occasionally.
- Maintain oil temp between 325-350°F (163-175°C). Adjust heat as needed.
- Chicken is done when golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain and Rest:
- Place fried chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Brining Option: For juicier chicken, brine in saltwater (1/4 cup salt + 4 cups water) for 1 hour before marinating.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Serving: Pair with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, biscuits, or hot sauce.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful homemade fried chicken! 🍗
Comments