Southern fried batter is a staple in many southern kitchens. Whether it's used to coat chicken, fish, or vegetables, this crispy and flavorful batter adds a touch of southern charm to any dish. While there are countless variations of this recipe, there are a few key ingredients that are essential to achieving the perfect southern fried batter. In this article, we will not only share a tried and true southern fried batter recipe, but we will also provide tips and tricks for making it professional and delicious every time.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Water, Hot Sauce, Baking Powder
If you love a little heat with your chicken, then this Spicy Southern Fried Chicken recipe is perfect for you. The chicken is first marinated in a spicy buttermilk mixture, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried to perfection. The result is a crispy and flavorful chicken with just the right amount of kick. Serve it with some creamy coleslaw and honey mustard dipping sauce for a delicious Southern-inspired meal.
For a more traditional take on Beer Can Chicken, try out this classic Southern Fried Chicken recipe. The chicken is first brined in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried until golden and crispy. The buttermilk brine helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a tangy flavor to the dish. Serve with some fluffy buttermilk biscuits and mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Another classic recipe for Southern Fried Chicken, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried until golden and crispy. The addition of paprika and cayenne pepper to the flour mixture adds a delicious smoky and spicy flavor to the chicken. Serve with some homemade mac and cheese and southern-style green beans for a true Southern feast.
If you prefer your chicken in strip form, then this recipe is for you. These Southern Fried Chicken Strips are marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried until crispy and golden. The strips are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce, such as honey mustard or barbecue sauce. Serve with some crispy shoestring fries and corn on the cob for a delicious and easy meal.
5of 16
Buttermilk-Brined Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Buttermilk, Hot Sauce, Minced Garlic, Fresh
For an extra juicy and flavorful chicken, try out this Buttermilk-Brined Southern Fried Chicken recipe. The chicken is first brined in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried until crispy and golden. The buttermilk brine helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a tangy flavor to the dish. Serve with some southern-style collard greens and cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
6of 16
Southern Fried Chicken Wings
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, All Purpose Flour, Grated Parmesan
If you're a fan of chicken wings, then you have to try out this recipe for Southern Fried Chicken Wings. The wings are marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried until crispy and golden. The result is a delicious and addictive dish that is perfect for game day or any gathering. Serve with some blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for the ultimate wings experience.
This recipe for Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken lives up to its name. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried until crispy and golden. The addition of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade adds a spicy kick to the chicken. Serve with some creamy mashed sweet potatoes and southern-style green beans for a truly satisfying meal.
For a simple and delicious take on Southern Fried Chicken, try out this recipe. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried until crispy and golden. The result is a classic and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Serve with some cornbread stuffing and braised collard greens for a traditional Southern meal.
This recipe for Crispy Southern Fried Chicken is a crowd-pleaser. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried until crispy and golden. The addition of poultry seasoning to the flour mixture gives the chicken a delicious and savory flavor. Serve with some southern-style macaroni and cheese and corn on the cob for a delicious and comforting meal.
For a healthier take on Southern Fried Chicken, try out this recipe using an air fryer. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and air-fried until crispy and golden. The result is a delicious and guilt-free version of the classic dish. Serve with some oven-roasted sweet potatoes and southern-style green beans for a well-balanced and tasty meal.
11of 16
Vegan Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Super Firm Tofu, Vital Wheat Gluten, Nutritional Yeast
Yes, you read that right. This recipe for Vegan Southern Fried Chicken is made with cauliflower instead of chicken. The cauliflower is first marinated in a mixture of almond milk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and baked until crispy and golden. The result is a delicious and surprisingly similar alternative to traditional Southern Fried Chicken. Serve with some vegan mac and cheese and baked beans for a completely plant-based meal.
If you love the Southern Fried Chicken from Cracker Barrel, then you have to try out this copycat recipe. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried until crispy and golden. The result is a delicious and authentic version of the popular dish. Serve with some homestyle green beans and corn muffins for a taste of Cracker Barrel at home.
13of 16
The Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Kosher Salt, All Purpose Flour, Cornstarch
This recipe for The Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken is a must-try for any chicken lover. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried until crispy and golden. The addition of garlic powder and onion powder to the flour mixture adds a delicious depth of flavor to the dish. Serve with some creamy mashed potatoes and southern-style coleslaw for a truly satisfying meal.
14of 16
Extra-Crunchy Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Paprika, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Powder
If you love a super crispy chicken, then this recipe is for you. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried until extra crunchy and golden. The addition of cornmeal to the flour mixture adds an extra layer of texture to the chicken. Serve with some southern-style potato salad and sweet tea for a true Southern dining experience.
If you're a fan of chicken livers, then you have to try out this recipe for Southern Fried Chicken Livers. The livers are marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried until crispy and golden. The result is a delicious and unique take on Southern Fried Chicken. Serve with some grits and collard greens for a true Southern comfort food meal.
For a leaner option, try out this recipe for Southern Fried Chicken Breasts. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour and fried until crispy and golden. The result is a delicious and healthier version of the classic dish. Serve with some roasted root vegetables and green beans with almonds for a well-rounded and tasty meal.
Making the Perfect Southern Fried Batter
The Importance of Buttermilk
One of the main ingredients in a traditional southern fried batter is buttermilk. This tangy and acidic liquid not only adds flavor, but it also helps to tenderize the meat or vegetables being fried. When combined with the other ingredients in the batter, the buttermilk creates a light and airy texture that is essential for achieving the perfect fried crunch.
Adding a Touch of Spice
No southern dish is complete without a little bit of spice. In this case, we recommend adding some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter for a kick of heat. You can also experiment with other spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to add depth of flavor to your southern fried batter.
The Secret Ingredient: Cornmeal
While many fried batter recipes call for just flour, a true southern fried batter includes a generous amount of cornmeal. This ingredient not only adds a hint of sweetness, but it also helps to create a crispy and crunchy texture. For an extra burst of flavor, try using stone-ground cornmeal instead of the traditional finely ground version.
Tips for Professional and Delicious Results
Keep the Batter Cold
One key to achieving a light and crispy southern fried batter is to keep it cold. This will help the batter adhere to the food better and prevent it from becoming too thick. You can even place the batter in the fridge for a few minutes before using it to ensure it stays cold.
Use a Deep Fryer
While it is possible to fry food in a pan on the stove, using a deep fryer will give you the best results. This will ensure that the batter cooks evenly and creates a perfectly crispy exterior. If you don't have a deep fryer, make sure to use a deep pot with enough oil to submerge the food completely.
Don't Overcrowd the Fryer
When frying food, it's important not to overcrowd the fryer. This will cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in greasy and soggy fried food. Instead, fry in small batches and allow the oil to return to the proper temperature between each batch.
Now that you have the inside scoop on making the perfect southern fried batter, it's time to put it to the test. Whether you're frying up some chicken, fish, or vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up the deep fryer, and get ready to taste the deliciousness of true southern cuisine.
