Go Back

Southern Fried Chicken

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, this homemade Southern fried chicken is perfect for gatherings and comforting dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Preparation
  • 1 whole whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 hours buttermilk For best results, soak overnight.
Coating Mixture
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Frying

Method
 

Soaking
  1. Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Coating
  1. In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off, then coat each piece in the flour mixture thoroughly.
Frying
  1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Carefully fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, paired with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.

Notes

For extra flavor, brine the chicken in a saltwater solution before buttermilk. For a crispier coating, double dredge by dipping in buttermilk and flour mixture again. Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for even cooking.