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Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 118 reviews

A classic Southern Fried Chicken recipe featuring crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs and drumsticks seasoned with smoked paprika, black pepper, and other spices, then deep-fried to juicy perfection in a flavorful batter made with buttermilk and seasoned flour.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 12 pieces chicken thighs and drumsticks

Seasoning and Flour Mix

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • 2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 cup all-purpose flour

Other Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
  • Vegetable Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil: Fill a Dutch oven or deep cast iron skillet with at least 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F. The oil should be deep enough to submerge most of the chicken pieces for even cooking.
  2. Prepare Dredging Station: While the oil heats, prepare two bowls: one with the buttermilk, and the other with a flour mixture combining smoked paprika, black pepper, sea salt, onion powder, and all-purpose flour. Whisk the flour mixture until everything is evenly distributed.
  3. Batter the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and then once again into the flour mixture. Place the coated pieces on a clean plate, ready to fry.
  4. Fry the Chicken: When the oil reaches 350°F, carefully place several battered chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for approximately 12 minutes, turning once halfway through if the chicken is not fully submerged, until the chicken is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165°F.
  5. Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place on paper bags or paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  6. Serve: Repeat frying in batches until all chicken is cooked. Serve the hot, crispy Southern Fried Chicken immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking and a crispy crust.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.
  • Resting the chicken on paper towels helps keep it crispy by absorbing excess oil.
  • Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and creates a better adhesion for the flour coating.

Keywords: Southern Fried Chicken, Crispy Fried Chicken, Deep Fried Chicken, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Classic Southern Recipe

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/southern-fried-chicken-recipe/