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fried chicken in brown bowl

Best Southern Fried Chicken – Traditional Buttermilk Recipe


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  • Author: Melissa Riker
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Southern fried chicken is a classic comfort food that is easier than you may think to make. Chicken is soaked in buttermilk then dredged in spiced flour and deep fried to create a crispy, crunchy crust over moist, juicy meat.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 pounds chicken pieces (drumsticks, breasts, wings)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • vegetable, peanut, or canola oil for frying
 

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, place the chicken pieces and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet to 350ยฐF.
  4. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and allow excess to drip off.
  5. Roll each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a good coating.
  6. Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches if necessary.
  7. Fry for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to 165ยฐF.
  8. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.

 

  • Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: main course
  • Method: frying
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 638
  • Sugar: 4.3 g
  • Sodium: 190.1 mg
  • Fat: 27.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37.3 g
  • Fiber: 1.7 g
  • Protein: 58.3 g
  • Cholesterol: 174.5 mg
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