Southern Fried Chicken is a classic dish known for its crispy and flavorful coating. Here’s a simple recipe to make delicious Southern Fried Chicken at home:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 3-4 pounds chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spiciness)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Coating:
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spiciness)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over it. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This will be the coating for the chicken.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to adhere well.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to around 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
- Drain and Season:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. While the chicken is still hot, sprinkle with a mixture of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve the Southern Fried Chicken hot, either on its own or with your favorite side dishes.
Tips:
- For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture after the initial dredging.
- Adjust the level of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
Enjoy your homemade Southern Fried Chicken with its crispy exterior and juicy interior! It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for family gatherings or any occasion.