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- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on - 4 chicken drumsticks - 2 cups buttermilk - 1 tablespoon hot sauce - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - Vegetable oil, for frying The heart of good Southern fried chicken lies in the ingredients. I love using chicken thighs and drumsticks. These parts stay juicy and tender. The skin adds flavor and crunch. Buttermilk and hot sauce create a fantastic marinade. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken. The hot sauce adds a nice kick. I recommend letting the chicken soak for at least two hours. Overnight is even better! Next, we have the seasoning elements. The flour mix is key to that crispy coating. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper give great depth. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. - Large bowl for marinating - Deep skillet or Dutch oven for frying - Wire rack and baking sheet for draining Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A large bowl is a must for marinating the chicken. It should fit all the pieces comfortably. For frying, I suggest a deep skillet or Dutch oven. These keep the heat steady for even frying. A wire rack and baking sheet help drain excess oil. This keeps the chicken crispy and not greasy. These simple ingredients and tools will set you up for success. You’ll have a delicious Southern fried chicken ready to impress! For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe. 1. Start by mixing buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl. You want a smooth blend. 2. Add the chicken pieces into the bowl. Ensure each piece is fully coated. 3. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Marinate the chicken for at least two hours, or overnight if you can. This step makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. 1. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is your seasoned flour. 2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk. Let any excess marinade drip off. 3. Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour. Press lightly to ensure a good coating. Shake off any extra flour. This step is key to getting that crispy texture. 1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat about one inch of vegetable oil. Aim for a temperature of 350°F (175°C). 2. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid crowding. This helps each piece fry evenly. 3. Cook the chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Adjust the heat as needed to keep the oil at the right temperature. 4. Once done, transfer the chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. For the complete guide to making this delicious dish, check the Full Recipe. To get that crispy coating, marinating the chicken is key. I suggest at least two hours. However, overnight gives the best flavor. The buttermilk tenderizes the meat and adds moisture. When you coat the chicken, press the flour onto the meat. This helps the flour stick better. Dredge each piece thoroughly, and shake off the excess flour. You want an even coat for the best crunch. Maintaining the oil temperature is crucial. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before adding the chicken. If the oil is too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks. If it's too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and juicy inside. For a Southern feast, presentation matters. Serve the fried chicken on a rustic platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and a pop of flavor. Classic sides pair well with fried chicken. Think coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes. These dishes complement the crispy chicken and create a full meal. For the Full Recipe, check the main article. {{image_2}} You can change up the chicken parts for new flavors. Thighs and drumsticks give that classic taste, but you can try breasts or wings. Breasts cook faster, so watch them closely. Wings are fun for finger food at parties. If you use skinless chicken, the coating won’t stick as well. You may want to add an extra layer of flour to help it adhere. Skinless pieces can still be tasty when seasoned right, so don’t skip the spice! Adding spices can give your Southern fried chicken a fresh twist. Try lemon pepper for a bright taste or Cajun seasoning for some heat. These spices mix well into the flour for a flavorful crust. You can also marinate the chicken in different sauces. BBQ sauce adds sweetness, while ranch gives a creamy touch. Soak the chicken in any of these sauces before coating it in flour for a unique flavor experience. If you want a lower-fat version, try oven-frying. Coat the chicken as usual, then place it on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 40 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking. An air fryer is another great option. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken in batches for about 25 minutes. This method gives you crispy chicken without all the oil. You can enjoy Southern fried chicken with fewer calories! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To keep your fried chicken fresh, follow these best practices: - Cool down: Let the chicken cool to room temperature. This helps prevent moisture build-up in storage. - Use airtight containers: Place the chicken in a container with a tight lid. This keeps air out and maintains quality. - Refrigerate: Store the chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps it safe to eat. Fried chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for any off smells before eating. To enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in two ways: - Oven method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy and yummy. - Microwave method: If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Flip the chicken after each burst. This helps keep it moist but may not keep it crispy. You can find the Full Recipe for more delicious ways to prepare Southern fried chicken. For Southern fried chicken, I recommend oils that can handle high heat. Good choices include peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. These oils have a high smoke point, so they fry the chicken well without burning. Peanut oil adds a nice flavor, but any of these oils will give you great results. Yes, you can use gluten-free flour in this recipe. Look for a blend that works well for frying. Almond flour or rice flour are good options too. Just remember that gluten-free flour may not get as crispy as regular flour. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Leftover fried chicken is super versatile. You can shred it for tacos or salads. It’s great in sandwiches too! You can also add it to casseroles or stir-fries. Enjoying it cold is also an option for a quick snack. Southern fried chicken goes well with many side dishes. Classic options include coleslaw, cornbread, and mashed potatoes. Green beans, baked beans, or mac and cheese are great too. Don’t forget a refreshing drink, like sweet tea. To keep your chicken juicy, marinate it well in buttermilk. This helps tenderize the meat. Fry it at the right temperature, around 350°F (175°C). After frying, let it rest on a wire rack. This keeps the moisture in and prevents sogginess. Southern fried chicken is a tasty dish that brings comfort and joy. We covered the key ingredients like chicken, buttermilk, and spices. You learned how to marinate, coat, and fry chicken to crispy perfection. We shared tips for serving and enjoying your fried chicken, whether with classic sides or new flavors. Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy your cooking journey and share your delicious results with family and friends. Your crispy Southern fried chicken will bring smiles to everyone at the table. Keep experimenting to find your favorite twist!

Southern Fried Chicken

Get ready to indulge in this irresistible Southern Comfort Fried Chicken! This recipe combines juicy chicken thighs and drumsticks marinated in a buttermilk and hot sauce mix, then coated in a flavorful seasoned flour blend. Perfectly fried to golden perfection, this dish will have everyone coming back for more. Click through for the full recipe and discover tips for serving it up with delicious sides for a true Southern feast!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, skin-on

4 chicken drumsticks

2 cups buttermilk

1 tablespoon hot sauce

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to marinate.

    In a separate bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will be your seasoned flour.

      Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and allow any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.

        In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).

          Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 10-12 minutes on each side, or until the golden brown and an internal thermometer reads 165°F (75°C). Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the oil temperature.

            Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.

              Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the fried chicken on a rustic platter garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side, along with some classic sides like coleslaw and cornbread for a true Southern feast!