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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 350°F.
  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 165°F.
  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