Preparation time: 2 hours 15 minutes. Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Delicious, crispy, and tender, this Southern Fried Chicken recipe is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner.
The ingredient list is simple and inexpensive, and the steps are beginner-friendly. Hope you enjoy it!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 bone-in chicken pieces (about 2 pounds, 900 grams)
- 2 cups of buttermilk (475 milliliters)
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour (250 grams)
- 1 tablespoon of paprika (6.8 grams)
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder (9.6 grams)
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder (8 grams)
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (2 grams)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups of vegetable oil for frying (1 liter)
Total calories per serving: approximately 500 calories
Method
- Begin by placing the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover with cling wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. One piece at a time, roll the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Preheat your deep fryer or a large saucepan to 350°F (175°C), then add the vegetable oil.
- Carefully place each piece of chicken into the hot oil. Fry for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it onto kitchen paper to drain the excess oil.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces. Serve hot with your favorite sides for a delicious, satisfying and easy meal.
Enjoy your homemade southern fried chicken and don’t forget to share your thoughts! Your feedback is important to me.
A healthier take on Southern fried chicken
While traditional Southern fried chicken is a crowd favorite, it’s possible to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor.
For a healthier twist on this beloved comfort food, try baking or air frying the chicken instead of deep frying.
Use a whole wheat flour mixture for the breading and season heavily with herbs and spices for maximum flavor.
This small tweaks can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content.
Storing the Southern fried chicken
Proper storage of Southern fried chicken is key to maintaining its flavor and texture.
Once cooled, place the chicken pieces in an airtight container or storage bag. Refrigerate immediately and consume within three to four days.
To reheat, avoid the microwave as it can make the chicken soft and soggy. Instead, warm it in the oven at a low heat to restore its original crispiness.
Perfect pairings with Southern fried chicken
Southern fried chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. It’s often served with classic Southern dishes like coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes.
Pickled vegetables or a light green salad can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
To complement your meal, a light beer or iced sweet tea is a great choice.
Time-saving tips for Southern fried chicken
While homemade fried chicken is worth the effort, there are ways to cut down on cooking time for those busy days. One tip is to pre-cut and bread the chicken in advance, storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Alternatively, you can also cook larger batches and freeze some for later use. Another time-saving strategy is using a deep fryer or air fryer, which can cook multiple pieces at once.
Leftover fried chicken ideas
If you find yourself with leftover Southern fried chicken, don’t let it go to waste. You can shred the meat for salads, sandwiches, or wraps, or chop it to make chicken salad. Leftover chicken can also be used in recipes like homemade chicken pot pie, chicken and waffles, or added to soups or stews for a protein boost.
