Southern Fried Chicken is a beloved classic that evokes feelings of comfort and home. This dish is renowned for its crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy, flavorful meat. Originating from the Southern United States, it’s often served at family gatherings, picnics, and celebrations, making it a staple in many households. With its rich buttermilk marinade and seasoned flour coating, this recipe captures the essence of Southern cooking, ensuring that each bite is a delightful experience. Whether enjoyed with a side of collard greens or a slice of cornbread, Southern Fried Chicken is sure to satisfy any craving for hearty, soul-warming food.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, and breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or cast-iron frying pan, heat about 1 to 1.5 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You can test the oil temperature by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle and brown in about 60 seconds.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, skin-side down. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 10-15 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Drain the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Enjoy your Southern fried chicken hot, with your favorite sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread!
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time) | Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including marinating)
Kcal: Approximately 400 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste or try different parts of the chicken for variety. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Southern fried chicken!