- Large bowl
- Shallow dish or plate
- Large heavy-duty skillet or deep fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Cooling rack
- Paper towels
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Mix Buttermilk and Hot Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Stir well.
- Soak the Chicken: Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture. Ensure all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This process tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish or plate, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
- Remove Chicken from Buttermilk: Take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off.
- Coat with Flour Mixture: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour. For extra crunch, you can dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Prepare for Frying: Fill a large skillet or deep fryer with enough oil to cover the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
- Fry in Batches: Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook Thoroughly: Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 10-12 minutes for wings and 12-15 minutes for larger pieces. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Drain: Remove the fried chicken pieces from the oil and let them drain on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 6: Serve
- Enjoy Hot or Cold: Southern fried chicken can be served hot immediately after cooking or allowed to cool and enjoyed at room temperature.
Additional Tips:
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices in the flour mixture according to your taste preferences. Adding a bit of dried mustard or swapping cayenne for smoked paprika can create different flavor profiles.
- Maintaining Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature during frying. Adding chicken can lower the oil’s temperature, so adjust the heat as necessary to maintain a steady 350°F (175°C).
- Safety First: When working with hot oil, always use caution to prevent splatters and burns. Use tongs or a frying spider to safely add and remove chicken from the oil.
Southern fried chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or biscuits. Enjoy the process and the delicious results of this beloved Southern classic.