In the world of southern cuisine, fried chicken is often considered to be a staple dish. But not all fried chicken recipes are created equal. There are countless variations and methods for making this beloved dish, but after much experimentation and taste-testing, I have finally discovered the best southern fried chicken recipe ever. This recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates and will have your friends and family begging for seconds. So grab your apron and get ready to fry up some crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken that will transport you straight to the heart of the South.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Water, Hot Sauce, Baking Powder
If you're a fan of bold, fiery flavors, this Spicy Southern Fried Chicken recipe will surely satisfy your cravings. The chicken is coated in a blend of spices and hot sauce, giving it a spicy kick that will leave your taste buds tingling. Serve it up with some cooling dipping sauces and enjoy the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
A classic Southern Fried Chicken recipe is a staple in many households. This traditional dish is made with a simple yet delicious blend of flour, spices, and buttermilk. The chicken is fried to a crispy perfection and is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck with friends.
For a kid-friendly version of Southern Fried Chicken, try making these Southern Fried Chicken Strips. They are made with boneless chicken breast and coated in a crunchy and savory breading. Dip them in your favorite sauce and enjoy a fun and tasty meal with the whole family.
You can't go wrong with a classic recipe, and this Classic Southern Fried Chicken is no exception. Marinate the chicken in a buttermilk brine to ensure it stays moist and juicy while frying. The breading is a simple mix of flour, spices, and breadcrumbs, creating a perfectly crispy and flavorful coating.
5of 32
Buttermilk-Brined Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Buttermilk, Hot Sauce, Minced Garlic, Fresh
For an extra tender and flavorful chicken, try brining it in buttermilk before frying. This Buttermilk-Brined Southern Fried Chicken recipe takes the traditional dish to the next level by infusing the chicken with a tangy and creamy flavor. The result is a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth fried chicken that will impress any guest.
For an ultimate and indulgent version of Southern Fried Chicken, try this recipe that combines the best of both worlds. The chicken is brined in buttermilk for tenderness and coated in a flavorful blend of spices and cornmeal for added crunch. Deep fry it to a golden brown and enjoy a decadent and satisfying meal.
7of 32
Southern Fried Chicken Wings
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, All Purpose Flour, Grated Parmesan
Wings are a popular appetizer or party food, and this Southern Fried Chicken Wings recipe adds a Southern twist to the classic dish. Coat the wings in a mix of flour and spices and fry them to a crispy perfection. Toss them in your favorite sauce and enjoy a finger-licking and flavorful snack.
This simple and delicious Southern Fried Chicken recipe is a go-to for any occasion. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk to keep it moist and coated in a blend of flour and spices for a crispy and savory coating. Deep fry it to a golden brown and serve it with your favorite sides for a classic and satisfying meal.
If you're looking for a crispy and flavorful fried chicken, look no further than this recipe. The chicken is coated in a mixture of flour and spices and double fried for extra crispiness. Serve it up with some homemade honey mustard sauce for a perfectly balanced and delicious meal.
If you're trying to watch your calorie intake, this Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken recipe is a healthier option that doesn't compromise on flavor. The chicken is coated in a blend of spices and breadcrumbs and air fried to a crispy perfection. Serve it up with some fresh veggies for a light and satisfying meal.
11of 32
Vegan Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Super Firm Tofu, Vital Wheat Gluten, Nutritional Yeast
Even vegans can enjoy the delicious flavors of Southern Fried Chicken with this Vegan Southern Fried Chicken recipe. The chicken is replaced with cauliflower florets and coated in a mixture of flour and spices, then baked to a crispy perfection. Serve it up with some vegan ranch for a plant-based and satisfying meal.
This copycat Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken recipe is a favorite among many. The chicken is brined in buttermilk and coated in a blend of flour and spices, giving it that signature crunchy and spicy coating. Fry it up in a cast iron skillet for a homestyle and flavorful meal.
13of 32
The Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Kosher Salt, All Purpose Flour, Cornstarch
This recipe truly lives up to its name as The Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk and coated in a blend of flour and spices, but what sets it apart is the addition of bacon fat to the frying oil. This secret ingredient adds an unforgettable smoky and savory flavor to the chicken, making it truly ultimate.
14of 32
Extra-Crunchy Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Paprika, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Powder
This Extra-Crunchy Southern Fried Chicken recipe takes crispy to a whole new level. The chicken is coated in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices and double fried for extra crunchiness. Serve it up with some creamy coleslaw and potato salad for a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal.
For a southern delicacy, try making Southern Fried Chicken Livers. These tender and flavorful organs are coated in a blend of flour and spices and fried to a crispy perfection. They are a popular dish in the South and are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
For a healthier version of Southern Fried Chicken, try using chicken breasts instead of the traditional dark meat. This lower fat option is still flavorful and satisfying, especially when coated in a blend of flour and spices and fried to a crispy perfection. Serve it up with some grilled veggies for a balanced and delicious meal.
17of 32
Spicy Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Water, Hot Sauce, Baking Powder
If you're a fan of bold and spicy flavors, this recipe is for you. The combination of cayenne pepper, paprika, and hot sauce adds a fiery kick to this classic Southern dish. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk before frying gives it a tender and juicy texture, while the crispy seasoned coating adds the perfect crunch. Serve with a side of cooling coleslaw for a delicious balance of flavors.
For those who prefer a more traditional taste, this recipe for Southern Fried Chicken is a must-try. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in the spice blend used to coat the chicken before frying. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme gives it a delicious and authentic Southern taste. Serve with your favorite mashed potatoes and gravy for the ultimate comfort food experience.
For a simpler yet equally delicious take on Southern Fried Chicken, try this classic recipe. The crispy golden coating, made with a combination of flour and seasonings, gives the chicken a crunchy texture that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Deep-frying the chicken in vegetable oil ensures that it cooks evenly and stays juicy on the inside. Serve with a side of cornbread for the perfect Southern meal.
If you're a fan of finger foods, these Southern Fried Chicken Strips are a must-try. They make the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. The buttermilk marinade adds a subtle tanginess to the chicken, while the crispy coating makes it irresistibly crunchy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious twist on a classic dish.
21of 32
Buttermilk-Brined Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Buttermilk, Hot Sauce, Minced Garlic, Fresh
For the juiciest and most flavorful chicken, try this recipe for Buttermilk-Brined Southern Fried Chicken. The buttermilk brine not only adds moisture to the chicken but also infuses it with flavor. The zesty marinade, made with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, gives the chicken a refreshing and tangy taste. Double frying the chicken ensures that it stays extra crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
22of 32
Southern Fried Chicken Wings
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, All Purpose Flour, Grated Parmesan
Looking for a crowd-pleasing and easy-to-eat dish? These Southern Fried Chicken Wings are the perfect choice. The spicy and flavorful coating, made with hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and paprika, adds a kick of heat to every bite. The crispy and juicy chicken wings are sure to be a hit at your next party or game night.
For those who want to take their Southern Fried Chicken to the next level, this recipe is for you. The secret ingredient in this dish is creamy peanut butter, which adds a rich and nutty flavor to the chicken. The crispy coating, made with cornmeal and spices, adds a crunchy texture to the chicken. Serve with a side of honey mustard sauce for a sweet and savory combination that will have your taste buds dancing.
For a classic and foolproof recipe for Southern Fried Chicken, look no further than this one. The simple yet delicious spice blend used to coat the chicken gives it an authentic and mouth-watering taste. The crispy coating combined with the juicy and tender chicken makes this dish a timeless favorite for any occasion.
If you're a fan of ultra-crispy chicken, this recipe is for you. The secret ingredient in this dish is crushed cornflakes, which adds an extra crunch to the coating. The buttermilk marinade adds flavor and moisture to the chicken, making it juicy and tender. Serve with a side of greens for a classic Southern meal.
For a healthier and less messy way to enjoy Southern Fried Chicken, try this recipe using an air fryer. The chicken comes out crispy and tender without the need for oil. The spice blend, made with garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper, gives the chicken a flavorful kick. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and healthy meal.
27of 32
Vegan Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Super Firm Tofu, Vital Wheat Gluten, Nutritional Yeast
For our vegan friends, we have a delicious and cruelty-free alternative to traditional Southern Fried Chicken. This recipe uses cauliflower as the main ingredient, coated in a flavorful spice blend and breadcrumbs for a crispy and satisfying texture. The spicy and tangy flavors make this dish a perfect and healthy substitute for the real thing.
If you're a fan of the iconic and delicious Southern Fried Chicken from Cracker Barrel, you'll love this recipe. The juicy and tender chicken is coated in a spice blend that mimics the flavors of the restaurant's signature dish. Frying the chicken in vegetable oil gives it a crispy and golden coating that is irresistible.
29of 32
The Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Kosher Salt, All Purpose Flour, Cornstarch
This recipe for The Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken is tried and tested and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The buttermilk brine adds moisture and flavor to the chicken, while the crispy coating made with breadcrumbs and spices gives it a crunchy texture. Serve with a side of collard greens for a classic and satisfying Southern meal.
30of 32
Extra-Crunchy Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Paprika, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Powder
If you're a fan of extra-crunchy chicken, this recipe is for you. The secret to its crispy coating lies in the double-dredging technique. The chicken is first coated in flour, then dipped in buttermilk, and finally coated in breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. The combination of spices gives the chicken a flavorful and authentic taste.
For a delicious and budget-friendly alternative to chicken breasts, try this recipe for Southern Fried Chicken Livers. The buttermilk marinade keeps the livers tender while frying them in vegetable oil gives them a crispy and golden coating. Serve with a side of biscuits for a hearty and satisfying meal.
For a healthy and flavorful take on Southern Fried Chicken, try this recipe using chicken breasts. The spice blend, made with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme, adds a smoky and aromatic flavor to the chicken. Baking the chicken instead of frying it makes it a healthier option while still maintaining a crispy and golden coating.
The Secret to Perfect Fried Chicken
Buttermilk Brine
If you want to take your fried chicken to the next level, the secret lies in the brine. Many recipes call for soaking the chicken in buttermilk, but I have found that brining the chicken in buttermilk is the key to achieving that perfect juicy and tender texture. The acid in the buttermilk helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
Seasoning Blend
The seasoning blend is what sets this fried chicken recipe apart from others. To create the perfect balance of flavors, I use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. The salt and pepper provide a basic seasoning, while the garlic powder adds depth and the paprika and cayenne pepper give a subtle kick of heat. This blend of spices adds a delicious flavor to the chicken without overpowering it.
Double Coating Method
Another crucial element to achieving the perfect crispy exterior is the double coating method. Instead of just dipping the chicken in flour once, I dip it twice. The first dip helps to create a base for the coating to adhere to, while the second dip ensures a crispy and even layer of breading. This method results in a delightful crunch with every bite.
The Perfect Cooking Technique
Cast Iron Skillet
To truly achieve authentic southern fried chicken, you must use a cast iron skillet. The cast iron conducts heat evenly and retains it, resulting in a perfectly crispy and evenly cooked chicken. It also adds a unique depth of flavor to the chicken.
Proper Temperature
Maintaining the proper temperature while frying is crucial to the success of this recipe. Heating the oil to 375°F and monitoring the temperature throughout the cooking process will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy.
Draining and Resting
Once the chicken is cooked to a golden perfection, it is essential to let it drain on a wire rack. This allows any excess oil to drip off, preventing the chicken from becoming soggy. It is also crucial to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Final Thoughts
This recipe may take a bit more effort and time, but the end result is well worth it. The combination of the buttermilk brine, seasoning blend, and double coating method creates a mouthwatering, flavorful, and crispy fried chicken that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe. So next time you want to impress your friends and family with an authentic taste of the South, give this recipe a try and prepare to be amazed.
