Southern Fried Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Golden, and Flavor-Packed

Who can resist the irresistible crunch of homemade Southern Fried Chicken? This recipe is all about the crispy, golden coating and juicy, tender chicken underneath, bringing that classic Southern comfort food straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re a fried chicken enthusiast or just looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, this recipe is sure to win you over!

I’m so excited to share this with you because it’s one of those dishes that’s not only a comfort food favorite but also a recipe everyone will be asking you for after one bite! Trust me, the crispy coating paired with the juicy chicken inside makes for a perfect combination.

Before diving into the full instructions, make sure to subscribe to get this recipe and others delivered directly to your inbox! You don’t want to miss out on more comforting, delicious meals like this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The blend of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper gives each bite a punch of bold, savory flavor.
• Crunchy Exterior, Tender Interior: The buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken juicy while the flour mixture crisps up perfectly.
• Versatile: You can easily swap or add spices to customize the heat or flavor profile to your liking.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, it’s a great meal to make for family dinners, game days, or picnics.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
• 2 cups buttermilk (for marinating)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a little extra kick)
• Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill your pan about halfway)

Necessary Tools

• Large mixing bowl (for marinating)
• Deep skillet or deep fryer
• Tongs (for turning the chicken)
• Paper towels (for draining excess oil)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour in the buttermilk. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, let it marinate overnight. The buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and makes the chicken incredibly juicy!

2. Prepare the Coating

In a large, shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you’re adding heat). Mix well until all the spices are evenly distributed.

3. Dredge the Chicken

Once the chicken is done marinating, remove each piece from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing the flour into the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating. For extra crispiness, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again—this double dip guarantees a crunch you’ll love!

4. Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). To test if your oil is hot enough, drop in a pinch of flour—if it sizzles, it’s ready! Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 12-15 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

5. Drain and Serve

Once fried, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This step keeps your chicken crispy without being greasy. Serve immediately while it’s hot with your favorite Southern sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or fluffy biscuits.

Tips for the Perfect Fried Chicken

• Keep the oil hot: Maintain a consistent temperature around 350°F. If the oil cools down, the chicken can become soggy instead of crisp.
• Double-dip for crunch: For a thicker, extra crispy coating, double-dip your chicken in the buttermilk and seasoned flour.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches so each piece has enough room to cook evenly and stay crispy.

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), store your fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore that perfect crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The coating will still turn out crispy and flavorful.

What other seasonings can I add to the flour mixture?

You can get creative with your spices! Some people like adding dried thyme, cajun seasoning, or even lemon zest for a unique twist.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Absolutely. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs or drumsticks.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like homemade Southern Fried Chicken—the smell of it frying, the crunch of the crispy coating, and the juicy bite of tender chicken are simply irresistible! Whether you’re making this for Sunday dinner or a family gathering, it’s a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. Plus, it’s versatile enough to make your own with a few simple tweaks!

For more comforting recipes like this, check out some other delicious chicken dishes you’ll love:

• Easy Lemon Chicken
• Chicken and Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
• Chicken Tandoori: The Ultimate Flavor Explosion

Don’t forget to leave a review or share your fried chicken creations on Pinterest—let’s see that golden perfection!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

Enjoy your fried chicken feast!

Print