15 Recipe For Southern Fried Chicken Thighs Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Apr 5, 2024
The crispy, juicy, and flavorful southern fried chicken thighs are a staple in many southern households. This beloved dish combines the perfect blend of spices and cooking techniques to create a mouth-watering meal that will have your taste buds dancing with each bite. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe for southern fried chicken thighs is easy to follow and sure to impress your family and friends.
If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Southern fried chicken. This classic dish is a staple in Southern cooking and for good reason – it's crispy, flavorful, and oh so satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to fried chicken, these top 20 beer can chicken recipes will have you licking your fingers and going back for seconds.
2of 20
The Best Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Buttermilk, Garlic Powder, Hot Sauce, Chicken Thighs
When it comes to Southern fried chicken, everyone has their own opinion on what makes it the best. Some swear by a secret spice blend, while others insist on marinating the chicken in buttermilk. No matter your preferred method, one thing is for sure – the end result should be juicy, tender chicken with a crispy, golden crust.
3of 20
Fried Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Buttermilk, Salt, Garlic, Onion, Black Pepper, Cayenne
While most fried chicken recipes call for the use of chicken breasts, thighs can also make for a delicious and budget-friendly option. These cuts of meat are darker and have more fat, which means they stay juicy and flavorful even after being fried. Plus, their smaller size makes them easier to cook and handle.
For those who are short on time or don't want to deal with the mess of deep frying, pan frying is a great alternative. This method involves cooking the chicken in a shallow pan with oil, resulting in a crispy crust and juicy interior. It's a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic Southern dish.
5of 20
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Buttermilk, Hot Sauce, Salt, Black
Buttermilk is a key ingredient in many Southern fried chicken recipes. It not only helps to tenderize the chicken, but it also adds a tangy flavor to the dish. For an extra kick, some recipes call for marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight before frying for maximum flavor and tenderness.
6of 20
Crispy Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Chicken Drumsticks, Buttermilk, Buffalo
The hallmark of a great fried chicken is its crispy crust. Achieving the perfect amount of crispiness can be tricky, but with the right technique and ingredients, it's not impossible. Some tips for achieving a crispy crust include using a combination of flour and cornstarch, frying at the right temperature, and making sure the chicken is dry before breading.
The batter is what gives fried chicken its signature crunch and flavor. While some recipes call for a simple flour and seasoning mixture, others use a more complex batter with ingredients such as buttermilk, eggs, and spices. Experiment with different batters to find your favorite one.
For those who are gluten-free, enjoying a crispy piece of fried chicken may seem like an impossible dream. However, there are many recipes out there that cater to those with dietary restrictions. These recipes use alternative flours and ingredients to create a gluten-free version of the beloved dish.
9of 20
The Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Butter Milk, Garlic, Shallot, Chicken Thighs, Flour
Everyone wants to make the ultimate Southern fried chicken – the kind that is crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. While there is no one definitive recipe for the perfect fried chicken, there are some common elements that can help elevate your dish. These include marinating the chicken, using a flavorful batter, and frying at the right temperature.
10of 20
Skillet Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Dark Brown Sugar, Worcestershire Sauce, Hot Sauce
If you don't have a deep fryer, don't worry – you can still make delicious fried chicken in a skillet. This method involves cooking the chicken in a shallow pan with oil, similar to pan frying. The key is to use a heavy-bottomed skillet and to keep an eye on the temperature to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
With so many variations and opinions on what makes the best Southern fried chicken, it can be hard to choose just one recipe. Some swear by using a cast iron skillet, while others insist on marinating the chicken in hot sauce. Explore different recipes to find the one that suits your taste buds.
Smothered chicken is a classic Southern dish that involves cooking chicken in a flavorful gravy. The chicken is first pan-fried and then simmered in the gravy until it's tender and juicy. This dish is perfect for those who love a saucy, flavorful chicken.
13of 20
Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, All Purpose Flour, Black Pepper, Smoked
While Southern fried chicken is a beloved dish, it's not the only way to enjoy fried chicken. There are many different styles and variations of fried chicken from around the world, each with their own unique flavors and techniques. From Japanese karaage to Korean fried chicken, there is a whole world of fried chicken to explore.
14of 20
Best Keto Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Vegetable Oil, Large
Fried chicken may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a keto-friendly meal, but with a few adjustments, it can be. Using alternative flours and breading, such as almond flour or pork rinds, you can create a delicious and low-carb version of this classic dish.
While fried chicken is delicious on its own, it's even better when paired with another Southern favorite – waffles. The combination of savory and sweet makes for a mouthwatering meal that is perfect for brunch or any time of day.
You can't have a list of top 20 beer can chicken recipes without including a classic Southern fried chicken recipe. This tried and true method involves marinating the chicken in buttermilk and spices, breading it, and then deep frying until golden and crispy. It's the ultimate comfort food that never disappoints.
17of 20
Southern Fried Buttermilk Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thigh Fillet, Peanut Oil, Salt, Paprika, White
If you love the tangy flavor that buttermilk adds to fried chicken, try using it as a marinade for the chicken before frying. This results in a chicken that is not only tender and juicy but also has a subtle tanginess that pairs perfectly with the crispy batter.
18of 20
Seasoned Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Bone In Skin On Chicken Thighs, Buttermilk, Sea Salt
While many fried chicken recipes call for a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, others take it up a notch with a more complex spice blend. These recipes may include ingredients like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and more, resulting in a chicken that is bursting with flavor.
19of 20
Home Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Large Egg, Water, Hot Sauce, Flour
Nothing beats a homemade fried chicken meal. Not only is it more cost-effective than eating out, but you also have control over the quality of ingredients and can customize the recipe to your liking. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a piece of homemade fried chicken.
20of 20
Delicious Southern Style Air Fryer Fried Chicken [Like...
Main Ingredients: Crushed Crackers, Egg, Chicken Thighs, Cooking Spray
For those who want to enjoy the flavors of Southern fried chicken without the added oil and mess, consider using an air fryer. This kitchen appliance uses hot air to fry food, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Plus, it's a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying.
Ingredients:
Fried Chicken:
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Marinate the chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the buttermilk, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and make sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will be the coating for the chicken.
3. Coat the chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dip each chicken thigh into the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated on both sides. Place the coated chicken on a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes. This will help the coating adhere to the chicken.
4. Fry the chicken:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Drain and serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the southern fried chicken thighs hot and enjoy with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes and coleslaw.
This recipe for southern fried chicken thighs is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a backyard barbecue. The marinade adds a depth of flavor to the chicken, while the coating creates a crispy and delicious exterior. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to achieve the perfect southern fried chicken thighs. Enjoy!
![Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe - BEST EVER - [VIDEO!]](https://www.thecookierookie.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/best-ever-buttermilk-fried-chicken-7-of-9.jpg)
![Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken [Video] - Sweet and Savory Meals](https://sweetandsavorymeals.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/air-fryer-fried-chicken-SweetAndSavoryMeals-5-1050x1536.jpg)
