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Southern Fried Chicken

This Southern Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy skin and juicy meat, perfect for satisfying your fried chicken cravings.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Marinade
  • 4 pieces Bone-in chicken legs and thighs Legs and thighs are recommended for juiciness.
  • 2 cups Buttermilk Soak chicken overnight for tenderness.
Coating
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour The base for the crispy coating.
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika For flavor and color.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt To season.
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper For seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Add for a spicy kick.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Optional, for extra crunchiness.
Frying
  • 4 cups Oil Peanut oil or any high smoke-point oil, for frying.

Method
 

Marinating
  1. Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk overnight for best results.
Coating
  1. Drag the marinated chicken through the seasoned flour, ensuring it is fully coated.
Frying
  1. Heat the oil in a deep skillet until it is shimmering hot.
  2. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
  3. Fry the chicken until it is deep golden brown and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes per side.
  4. Let the fried chicken rest on a rack to maintain its crispiness.

Notes

For best taste, serve with buttery mashed potatoes, coleslaw, fresh biscuits, and pickles. Allow leftover fried chicken to cool before storing in airtight containers. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to regain crispiness.