Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

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There's nothing quite like the comforting, indulgent flavors of a Southern fried chicken recipe. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this classic soul food dish is a staple of Southern cuisine and a favorite of many around the world.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for a new recipe to try, southern fried chicken is a dish that's sure to satisfy. In this blog post, we'll take you step by step through our tried and true southern fried chicken recipe, so you can recreate this mouth-watering dish in your own kitchen.

From the ingredients you'll need to the cooking techniques you'll use, we'll cover everything you need to know to make the perfect batch of southern fried chicken. So, let's get started!

Flavor Back-Story

With this recipe I just wanted to make some good fried chicken. When I think of the best fried chicken I've enjoyed in my lifetime it's my grandma's and that doggon Popeye's in New Orleans near Bourbon Street. All Popeye's ain't created equal; that crunch hit different and the kick of the spicy version is well balanced.

I added hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade to get that slight heat throughout the whole chicken, including both the flesh and the skin. MaDear went heavy on the garlic powder with hers so it's a key ingredient in my spice mix.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with fried chicken)

Southern golden brown fried chicken and Southern without some serious dynamite soul so a bona fide classic soul jam is in order. What, Bobby Byrd you say?! Yes "I Know You Got Soul" is that perfect combination. Bobby ain't gonna make you think of a classic crooner like Otis Redding or Sam Cooke, but the boy pack a lot of soul. There is joy, pain, and a fighting spirit in those vocals.

Ingredients Needed To Fry Chicken Southern Style

• Chicken Pieces - recipe instructions were written for dark meat (chicken thighs and legs). Chicken breast can be substituted if you prefer white meat, but you'll just want to adjust your cooking time. Chicken breasts don't require as long a cook time and they're easy to overcook.
• All-purpose Flour
• Corn Starch
• Buttermilk
• Hot Sauce
• Kosher Salt
• Smoked Paprika
• Cayenne Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Dried Thyme
• Vodka
• Water

How To Fry Chicken (step by step)

Make The Buttermilk Marinade

Place the buttermilk in a large bowl. Add the hot sauce place a teaspoon of salt. Mix well then add the chicken pieces. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture, cover, and refrigerate at least an hour, but preferably overnight.

Prepare the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the fridge and rinse. Reserve a few teaspoons of the marinade. Allow the chicken to reach room temperature. You'll want to cook the chicken evenly.

While the chicken comes to temperature, set up your assembly station.

Make Seasoning Mixture

Place all the dry seasonings in a small bowl or ramekin. Mix well and set aside.

Make The Dredge

In a shallow wide bowl add the cornstarch, flour, and half the spice mix. Mix well and set aside.

Make The Wash or Chicken Batter

In a separate shallow wide bowl mix together the vodka, water, and a quarter cup of the flour mixture. Mix well and set aside.

Pro Tip: Using a regular spoon add a few spoonfuls of the buttermilk marinade to the dredge

Make Cooling Rack

Place a wire rack inside of a rectangular sheet pan or baking sheet.

Fry The Chicken

Pre-heat fryer to 350 degrees F

Place the rinsed chicken in the wash making sure all parts of the chicken gets a coating. Then dip the chicken in the flour mixture. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Shake-off any excess flour.

Add the coated chicken to the hot oil and fry for 7-9 minutes. Remove the chicken and place on the cooling racks. Allow to rest about 30 minutes. While chicken rests heat fryer to 375 degrees.

Add the remaining chicken pieces back to the fryer and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove back to the cooling rack.

In a medium bowl add about a ½ cup of the hot grease plus the remaining spice seasoning mix. Mix well. Brush the chicken with the seasoned oil and serve the seasoned chicken.

What To Serve With Southern Fried Chicken

Southern fried chicken is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of side dishes. Whether you're looking for something savory, sweet, or a little bit of both, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of our favorite dishes to serve alongside southern fried chicken:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect complement to crispy fried chicken. The rich, buttery flavor of the potatoes pairs well with the savory chicken, and the texture is a great contrast to the crispy skin.
2. Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are a staple of southern cuisine and are the perfect accompaniment to fried chicken. You can serve them plain or with a little bit of honey or jam.
3. Coleslaw: Coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of fried chicken. Its crisp, tangy texture is the perfect complement to the crunchy chicken skin.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese is a classic southern side dish that pairs well with fried chicken. Its comforting, indulgent flavors are a great match for the rich, savory chicken.
5. Collard Greens: Collard greens are a traditional southern side dish that add a healthy dose of greens to your meal. Their slightly bitter flavor pairs well with the savory chicken, and they can be prepared with a variety of seasonings to suit your taste.
6. Buttermilk Biscuits: Biscuits and fried chicken go hand in hand. Keep some on hand for this recipe.

No matter what you choose to serve alongside your southern fried chicken, you're sure to have a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cooking Tips, Considerations, and Substitutions

Southern fried chicken is a classic comfort food that's perfect for any occasion. While the recipe itself is relatively simple, there are a few key tips and considerations to keep in mind to ensure that your fried chicken turns out perfectly every time. Here are some cooking tips, considerations, and substitutions to keep in mind when making southern fried chicken:

1. Use a seasoned flour mixture: The key to crispy, flavorful fried chicken is a well-seasoned flour mixture. Be sure to add plenty of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your flour mixture for the best results.
2. Let the chicken rest: Once you've coated your chicken in the flour mixture, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before frying. This allows the flour to adhere to the chicken and ensures that it will be crispy and delicious.
3. Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying your chicken, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Too many chicken pieces will cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in greasy, soggy chicken. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure that each piece cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
4. Consider a buttermilk marinade: While not necessary, marinating your chicken in buttermilk before coating it in the flour mixture can help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
5. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be considered safe to eat.
6. Double Fry the chicken: Moisture is the enemy of crunchy chicken! Ample rest after the initial fry allows the surface moisture to drain away. That second fry is like the finishing move. Most of the moisture is gone so it's a flash fry of the dry skin which means a bigger crunch!

Substitutions:

• If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
• For a healthier option, try baking your chicken in the oven instead of frying it.
• In place of a cooling rack you can also drain the cooked chicken on a paper towel lined plate.
• If you don't have a deep fryer, a deep cast iron skillet or even a dutch oven can be used. My grandma always used her trusty cast iron pan for frying chicken.

By following these tips and considering these substitutions, you'll be able to make delicious, crispy southern fried chicken that's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Southern Fried Chicken

Q: What's the best type of chicken to use for southern fried chicken?

A: For the best results, it's recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. These cuts of chicken tend to be juicier and more flavorful than boneless, skinless chicken.

Q: Can I make southern fried chicken without a deep fryer?

A: Absolutely! While a deep fryer can make the process of frying oil much easier, you can still make delicious fried chicken using a deep pot or cast-iron skillet filled with oil.

Q: How long should I let the chicken rest before frying?

A: Letting the chicken rest for at least 30 minutes after coating it in the flour mixture allows the coating to adhere to the chicken and helps to create a crispy crust and juicy meat.

Q: Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

A: Yes, you can use other types of oil like vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. However, be sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning during the deep frying process.

Q: How can I make sure my chicken stays crispy?

A: To keep your fried chicken crispy, avoid overcrowding the pan while frying tender chicken, and use a wire rack to let the chicken cool and drain excess oil after frying.

Q: Can I make Southern fried chicken ahead of time?

A: While fried chicken is best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it in the oven. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Q: What can I do with leftover fried chicken?

A: I personally like to eat it over again but served cold. You can also reheat it and serve again or make a fried chicken sandwich.

By keeping these frequently asked questions in mind, you'll be better equipped to make delicious buttermilk fried chicken that's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Make This Recipe

All in all, it's easy to see why Southern fried chicken is a tradition that will stand the test of time. All it takes is just a few choice ingredients and a hot skillet to create a dish that is truly the essence of comfort food. Although the basic recipe is often enough to satisfy, there are plenty of ways to add your own flavor, from opting for different spices or coating options.

If you make this delicious fried chicken recipe or any other recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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