Southern Fried Chicken Crispy Juicy Perfection

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some seriously good chicken? This fried chicken recipe nails that crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside thing. It tastes amazing, trust me! Have you ever tasted something so delicious you want to make it every week?

Brief Overview

This Southern Fried Chicken Recipe comes straight from classic American comfort food. This recipe has roots in the Southern states.

This easy fried chicken recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish. It's a medium level challenge, yielding 4-6 servings.

Main Benefits

One big bonus is the protein boost. Perfect for family dinners or weekend feasts. What makes this best fried chicken recipe special? It's all in the buttermilk fried chicken brine! It's something I have tried multiple times and now I can say I know all the secrets.

Ready to learn how to make some seriously crispy fried chicken in oil ?

The Magic Begins: Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's grab the stuff! You'll need chicken pieces, of course. We're talking thighs, drumsticks the good stuff. Don't forget flour, spices, and buttermilk.

Honestly, the buttermilk is key, so do not skip it!

I remember once trying to rush the breading. It ended up a total mess! Take your time, friends. I have also found that using a large bowl helps!

The Brine: A Flavor Bath

First up, the brine. Mix water, salt, sugar, and spices in a bowl. The brine is everything. It helps keeps your chicken tender.

Submerge the chicken in the brine. This part is super important. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, and up to 4.

Coating Time: Extra Crispy Instructions

Next, prep the coating. Mix flour, cornstarch, and all those amazing spices. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.

You can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to spice it up. Now, take those brined chicken pieces and pat them dry.

Then, dip them in the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture. The double dip secret: it is important to ensure each piece of chicken is fully coated.

Frying Time: Deep Fried Chicken Recipe Perfection

Heat your oil in a big pot. Use a thermometer! Get it to 325° F ( 160° C). Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil.

Don't overcrowd the pot! Fry for 6- 8 minutes per side. Make sure the inside temp hits 165° F ( 74° C).

Remove and let it drain on a wire rack.

One time, I forgot to check the temp. The chicken was burnt outside and raw inside! It was a disaster. I learned my lesson that day!

Enjoy Your Fried Chicken

There you go! Homemade Fried Chicken , ready to devour. Serve it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and some sweet tea.

Don't forget your favorite dipping sauces. Time to dig in! And you could even use the drippings to make Fried Chicken with Gravy !

Best Fried Chicken Recipe is here in front of you. Enjoy it!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Ultimate Fried Chicken Recipe

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to nail this best fried chicken recipe . Honestly, it's not rocket science, but quality ingredients make a HUGE difference.

Trust me, I've tried the cheap stuff, and it's just not the same.

Main Ingredients: The Crispylicious Line-Up

First, the chicken. For this Southern fried chicken recipe , you'll need 3 lbs (1.36kg) of bone-in, skin-on pieces.

Think thighs, drumsticks, and maybe a breast or two. The fresher, the better. Always. Look for chicken that's plump and has a nice, healthy color.

Then for the brine, grab 4 cups (950ml) of cold water, 1/4 cup (55g) kosher salt, 2 tablespoons (24g) of sugar, 1 tablespoon (8g) crushed peppercorns, 1 teaspoon (2g) paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon (1g) each of garlic and onion powder.

You know, a basic but effective brine.

Next is the buttermilk marinade. You'll need 2 cups (470ml) of buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of hot sauce. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds that signature tang.

For the coating, we have 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch, 2 tablespoons (24g) paprika, 2 tablespoons (24g) garlic powder, 1 tablespoon (12g) onion powder, 1 tablespoon (9g) dried thyme, 1 tablespoon (8g) dried oregano, 2 teaspoons (10g) kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon (2g) black pepper.

Finally, the frying oil. Use 4 cups (950ml) of vegetable or peanut oil. Peanut oil is awesome, but vegetable oil works just fine.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

The essential spice combination? Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. It’s a classic for a reason. Don't be scared to experiment.

A little cayenne pepper can add a nice kick for fried chicken extra crispy .

If you don't have buttermilk, yogurt thinned with milk or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice works pretty well.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

You'll need a big bowl for brining, some shallow dishes for breading, and a deep fry thermometer . That thermometer is KEY.

You need to maintain the correct oil temperature. A big pot or Dutch oven for frying is also essential, and tongs are your best friend here.

Finally, a wire rack to drain the chicken. Honestly? The wire rack stops the crust from becoming soggy. A baking sheet is a good substitute if you don't have a wire rack.

The Secret to Seriously Good Fried Chicken

Hey everyone! Let's talk about the most comforting food ever: fried chicken . I’m going to give you my take on an amazing fried chicken recipe .

This isn’t just any recipe. This is about crispy fried chicken in oil so good, it'll make you wanna slap yo' mama.

(Don’t actually do that). I’ve tweaked and tested this recipe for ages, and trust me, it's a winner. The goal? Fried chicken extra crispy and juicy, every single time.

Prep Like a Pro

First things first: mise en place. Fancy, right? It just means get your stuff together! You’ll need about 30 minutes for prepping, plus a good 2 hours for chilling.

Get your 4 cups of water, 1/4 cup kosher salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and spices ready for the brine. Have your bowls and plates set up for easy breading.

Honestly, the biggest time saver is to measure out all your spices beforehand. Trust me on this one. Also, remember, hot oil is HOT.

Be careful! Don’t overcrowd the pot, and always use tongs.

Let's Get Fryin': step-by-step

Okay, here’s the breakdown. I'll explain the crispy fried chicken instructions .

1. Brine Time : Mix your brine ingredients. Submerge your chicken pieces. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 . This adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
2. Buttermilk Bliss : Whisk your 2 cups buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce in a bowl. Hot sauce is key, even if you don’t like spice!
3. Spice It Up : Mix your flour, cornstarch, and spices in a shallow dish. The cornstarch is secret for that extra crisp.
4. Dredge It Good : Pat the chicken dry. Dip in buttermilk. Then dredge in the flour mixture. For extra crisp, repeat.
5. Heat the Oil : Heat your oil to 325° F ( 160° C) in a heavy pot. A thermometer is crucial.
6. Fry Like a Boss : Add the chicken carefully, not overcrowding the pot.
7. Golden Perfection : Fry for 6- 8 minutes per side. Internal temp should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
8. Rest and Relax : Place on a wire rack to drain. Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before digging in.

My Pro Tips for the Best Fried Chicken Recipe

Want to take your homemade fried chicken to the next level? Here's the deal. First, dry brining! Rub the chicken with salt and spices the day before.

Amazing results. Also, if you double dip each piece of chicken you get a great thick crust.

The biggest mistake? Overcrowding the pot. This lowers the oil temp and makes the chicken greasy. Another tip: you can make the flour mixture ahead of time.

Store it in an airtight container. And for crispy southern fried chicken recipe , maintaining the oil temperature is everything!

Okay, that’s all folks. Go make some deep fried chicken recipe !

Recipe Notes: Nailing That Perfect Fried Chicken

Alright, so you're about to embark on your fried chicken journey! This isn't just any fried chicken recipe ; it's a ticket to crispy, juicy heaven.

Let's talk through some vital bits to get the best fried chicken recipe possible. Honestly, these little things can make all the difference! I have got the crispy fried chicken instructions .

Serving Ideas: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, right? For the Southern fried chicken recipe , think classic! A simple platter with a checkered napkin is always a winner.

Or, go modern! Arrange the chicken on a bed of greens with a drizzle of hot honey.

Complementary sides are crucial. Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and corn on the cob? Obvious choices, but they work! Want something different? Try mac and cheese or even a watermelon salad in summer.

Don't forget dipping sauces! Hot sauce is a must, but honey mustard or BBQ sauce are fab too. A sweet tea or lemonade is the perfect drink.

Storage Secrets: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the chicken cool completely before storing. Pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge within two hours .

It'll keep for 3-4 days . For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap each piece tightly in cling film, then put them in a freezer bag.

It'll last for about 2-3 months .

Reheating can be tricky. The oven is best. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. A toaster oven works too.

Avoid the microwave if possible, it can make it soggy.

Tweaks & Twists: Fried Chicken Your Way

Want to mix things up? No problem! For a spicy fried chicken , add cayenne pepper to the flour. You control the heat! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour. Easy peasy!

Seasonal swaps? In summer, use fresh herbs from your garden in your breading. In autumn, add a pinch of pumpkin spice for a cosy twist.

Nutrition Lowdown: The Good Stuff

Ok, let's be real: Deep fried chicken recipe is not exactly health food. But it has protein! Protein helps build muscle and keeps you full.

Remember, this easy fried chicken recipe is all about balance. Enjoy it in moderation with lots of veggies. Think of it as a treat for your taste buds!

So, there you have it! All the extra bits to make your homemade fried chicken the absolute best. Get stuck in, have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment.

You've got this! I hope this is the best fried chicken recipe for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my fried chicken recipe not crispy enough? I want that KFC crunch!

Crispy fried chicken is all about technique! Firstly, make sure your chicken is properly dried after brining or marinating excess moisture is the enemy. Secondly, the oil temperature is key; aim for a consistent 325°F (160°C) and don't overcrowd the pot, which will lower the temperature.

Finally, consider double dredging your chicken in the flour mixture for an extra thick, crunchy coating. A little cornstarch in the flour mix also helps achieve maximum crispiness!

Can I prepare this fried chicken recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can brine the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, which actually helps with flavor and moisture. You can also bread the chicken a few hours before frying and keep it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring the breaded chicken to near room temperature before frying so that it fries evenly.

Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days but it will lose some of its crispness.

What's the best oil to use for this fried chicken recipe and what temperature should I use?

Vegetable oil or peanut oil are excellent choices for frying chicken because of their high smoke points and neutral flavors. You want enough oil to reach about halfway up the chicken pieces in your pot or Dutch oven.

Maintaining a consistent oil temperature of 325°F (160°C) is crucial for even cooking and preventing the chicken from becoming greasy. Invest in a deep fry thermometer; it's worth its weight in gold!

Is there a healthier way to make fried chicken without sacrificing flavor?

While traditional fried chicken is undeniably indulgent, you can make it slightly healthier. Try trimming excess skin and fat from the chicken before breading. Alternatively, you can explore air frying!

While it won't replicate the exact taste and texture of deep fried chicken, air frying can reduce the fat content significantly. Spray your breaded chicken with oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Don't forget the spice, regardless of how you cook it!

Can I use different cuts of chicken for this fried chicken recipe?

Definitely! While bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs and drumsticks are classic for their flavor and ability to stay moist during frying, you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders.

Keep in mind that boneless cuts will cook more quickly, so adjust your frying time accordingly to prevent them from drying out. A meat thermometer is your best friend here, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Help! My fried chicken is cooked on the outside but still raw on the inside. What did I do wrong?

Oh dear, that sounds like a bit of a kitchen nightmare! This usually happens when the oil temperature is too high. The outside cooks too quickly, leaving the inside raw. Reduce the heat slightly and give the chicken a bit longer to cook through.

Also, make sure you're not overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking.