Southern fried chicken is a beloved comfort food known for its crispy, flavorful coating and tender, juicy interior. Here’s a classic recipe for making Southern fried chicken:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 3-4 pounds of chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, breasts, or a whole chicken cut into parts)
- Buttermilk for marinating (enough to cover the chicken)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and cover them with buttermilk. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, but it’s even better if marinated overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Breading:
- In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create the seasoned flour.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Press the flour onto the chicken to create a thick, even coating.
- Heat the Oil:
- Fill a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer with about 1.5 to 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil to a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C) using a deep-fry thermometer.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, one at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for breasts and 175°F (80°C) for thighs and drumsticks.
- Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Season with a pinch of salt while still hot.
- Serve:
- Southern fried chicken is traditionally served hot, and it’s delicious with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or gravy.
Enjoy your homemade Southern fried chicken. It’s a classic dish with a delightful combination of crispy, seasoned breading and succulent chicken.
