Crispy & Juicy Southern Fried Chicken Recipe – Easy & Authentic

Nothing beats the crunch of perfectly seasoned Southern Fried Chicken! This classic dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, known for its crispy golden crust and juicy, tender meat inside. Whether you’re making it for a weekend feast or a family gathering, this Southern Fried Chicken Recipe is sure to impress.

Nutrition & Instructions

This recipe balances flavors and textures while maintaining that authentic Southern charm. While it is indulgent, it also offers a satisfying protein-packed meal.

• Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

Prep Time, Active Time & Resting Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Active Time: 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour (for marination)
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Cuisines & Course

• Cuisine: Southern American
• Course: Main Course
• Servings: 4

Equipment Needed

• Deep fryer or large cast-iron skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer
• Paper towels
• Wire rack

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (legs and thighs preferred)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For the Breading:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Frying:

• 3-4 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

1. In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, baking powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Stir well to ensure even distribution of spices.

Step 3: Dredging the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and allow excess liquid to drip off.
2. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick coating.
3. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere properly.

Step 4: Frying the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or cast-iron skillet to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and turns golden brown.
4. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serving the Chicken

1. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Pair it with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese.
3. Serve with hot sauce or honey for an extra burst of flavor!

Pro Tips for the Best Southern Fried Chicken

• Use Buttermilk: Marinating in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a slight tangy flavor.
• Double Coating: For extra crispiness, double dip the chicken in the flour mixture.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F to ensure even cooking without making it greasy.
• Resting Time: Letting the breaded chicken rest before frying helps the coating stick better.
• Drain on a Rack: Placing fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels keeps the crust crispy.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Fried Chicken Recipe is a time-honored classic that never fails to impress. With a crispy, flavorful crust and juicy, tender meat, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether for a casual dinner or a special gathering, this dish will bring smiles to the table. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Southern tradition!

Enjoy your crispy, golden Southern Fried Chicken!