There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a piece of perfectly tender and crispy Southern fried chicken. This recipe will guide you through the steps to achieve that deliciously crunchy coating and juicy, flavorful chicken. Forget about takeout—once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back!
Ingredients for Tender & Crispy Southern Fried Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How to Make Tender & Crispy Southern Fried Chicken:
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain. Serve hot, and enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness!
About the Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: The star of this dish, chicken provides a lean source of protein and is a blank canvas for flavor. Using bone-in pieces adds extra juiciness and flavor to the fried chicken.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor. It also helps the flour coating adhere better, resulting in a crispier crust.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used for the coating. It creates a light and crispy texture when fried.
- Spices: A blend of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder adds depth of flavor and a bit of heat to the chicken.
Enjoy making this classic Southern dish in your own kitchen!
