Southern fried chicken is a beloved dish, known for its crispy and flavorful coating and juicy meat. Many people have their own secret recipes, passed down through generations, but this classic American dish can also be mastered by anyone with the right ingredients and technique. In this article, we will share with you the ultimate southern fried chicken recipe, as perfected by the experts at Serious Eats. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouth-watering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Water, Hot Sauce, Baking Powder
If you're a fan of spicy food and Southern flavors, then this recipe is for you. Our Spicy Southern Fried Chicken combines the heat of cayenne pepper and paprika with the classic crispy coating of fried chicken. It's a fiery twist on a beloved Southern dish that will have your taste buds dancing.
Sometimes, you just can't beat the classic Southern Fried Chicken. This recipe brings together simple ingredients like flour, buttermilk, and seasonings to create a timeless dish that will transport you to Southern kitchens and front porches. Serve it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a homestyle meal that never goes out of style.
If you're looking for a no-fail recipe that is sure to please the whole family, look no further than our Classic Southern Fried Chicken. This recipe stays true to the traditional Southern method of using buttermilk to keep the chicken moist and flavorful, while the crispy coating provides the perfect crunch with each bite.
For a fun and easy twist on Southern Fried Chicken, try making strips instead of whole pieces. Our Southern Fried Chicken Strips recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are cut into strips, breaded, and fried to perfection. They're great for kids and adults alike, and you can even customize the seasonings to suit your taste.
5of 16
Buttermilk-Brined Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Buttermilk, Hot Sauce, Minced Garlic, Fresh
If you want to take your Southern Fried Chicken to the next level, try brining your chicken in buttermilk before frying. Our Buttermilk-Brined Southern Fried Chicken recipe infuses the chicken with flavor and moisture, resulting in tender, juicy chicken that is bursting with flavor. Trust us, this extra step is worth it.
6of 16
Southern Fried Chicken Wings
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, All Purpose Flour, Grated Parmesan
Wings aren't just for buffalo sauce – they can also be delicious when fried Southern style. Our Southern Fried Chicken Wings recipe uses whole wings that are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried until crispy and golden. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party snack.
For a truly epic Southern Fried Chicken experience, try our Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken recipe. We've taken all the best elements of Southern fried chicken and combined them into one ultimate dish. From a buttermilk brine to a spicy flour mixture to deep frying for extra crunch, this recipe has it all.
If you're a fan of crispy chicken, this recipe is for you. Our Crispy Southern Fried Chicken takes fried chicken to a whole new level with a double dredge method that results in a crunchy, golden coating that will have you licking your fingers. Serve it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the perfect crispiness in every bite.
There's no such thing as too much Southern Fried Chicken, and our recipe is worth making more than once. This classic recipe uses a simple flour mixture with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper to create a crispy coating that will have you craving more. Serve it with your favorite homestyle sides for a comforting meal that will make you feel like you're at Grandma's house.
If you're trying to cut back on oil and calories, but still want that fried chicken taste, try making our Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken. This recipe uses an air fryer to cook the chicken with minimal oil, resulting in crispy, juicy chicken that is healthier than traditional deep fried chicken. Plus, it's super easy to make.
11of 16
Vegan Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Super Firm Tofu, Vital Wheat Gluten, Nutritional Yeast
Yes, you read that right – Vegan Southern Fried Chicken does exist! Our plant-based recipe uses tofu that is marinated in a seasoned buttermilk mixture and breaded before being baked to a crispy perfection. Even non-vegans will be impressed by this flavorful and crunchy alternative to traditional fried chicken.
For those of us who have never been able to resist the temptation of Cracker Barrel, this recipe is for you. Our Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken is a copycat version of the restaurant's beloved dish. It uses bone-in chicken that is marinated in buttermilk and seasoned flour before being fried until crispy and golden. Serve it with mashed potatoes and gravy for a true Southern meal.
13of 16
Spicy Mexican Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chiles De Arbol, Guajillo Chiles, Chicken, Buttermilk
For a spicy twist on Southern fried chicken, try our Spicy Mexican Southern Fried Chicken. This recipe uses a blend of Mexican spices like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne to create a new and exciting take on an old favorite. Serve it with cooling sides like coleslaw or potato salad to balance out the heat.
14of 16
The Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Kosher Salt, All Purpose Flour, Cornstarch
Looking for the ultimate Southern Fried Chicken recipe? Look no further. Our Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken recipe takes all the best elements from different recipes and combines them into one flavorful, crispy, and juicy dish. With a buttermilk brine, a spicy flour mixture, and deep frying for extra crunch, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
15of 16
Extra-Crunchy Southern Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Paprika, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Powder
If you can't get enough crunch in your Southern Fried Chicken, this recipe is for you. Our Extra-Crunchy Southern Fried Chicken uses a double coat of seasoned flour to create a super crispy exterior that will have you obsessed. And don't worry, the chicken stays moist and flavorful thanks to a buttermilk brine before frying.
For a unique and delicious take on Southern Fried Chicken, try making our Southern Fried Chicken Livers. This offal dish may not be for everyone, but for those who love chicken livers, this recipe is a must-try. The livers are breaded and fried until crispy and golden, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for brunch or lunch.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make the perfect southern fried chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 whole chickens, cut into 8 pieces each (or 16 chicken thighs)
- Buttermilk
- All-purpose flour
- Corn starch
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
The first step in preparing this southern fried chicken recipe is to marinate the chicken in buttermilk. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Simply place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the coating. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, corn starch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. These spices will give the chicken its signature southern flavor and crispy texture.
Cooking Instructions
Once the chicken has marinated, it's time to start frying. In a large Dutch oven or cast iron skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F. The key to perfectly fried chicken is maintaining the oil temperature, so a thermometer is recommended.
Next, take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk and dredge them in the flour mixture, making sure to coat them evenly. Shake off any excess flour before carefully placing the chicken into the hot oil. Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it is golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once all the chicken is cooked, place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This southern fried chicken recipe is best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the fryer, but it can also be served cold for a picnic or potluck.
In conclusion, with this recipe, you can make restaurant-quality southern fried chicken in the comfort of your own home. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, or cornbread, for a truly southern meal. Impress your friends and family with this seriously good version of a classic dish that will have everyone coming back for more.
