Southern Fried Chicken
Southern Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor. Coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried to perfection, this dish is perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or a special Sunday meal. It’s easy to make and guarantees that crispy, golden exterior with a tender, moist interior.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces chicken leg quarters or chicken pieces of choice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs eggs
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and eggs. Place the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture and let them marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk mixture and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), fry the chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Drain and Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or coleslaw.
Notes
- Alternative Cooking Method: You can also bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes to make it a bit lighter while still crispy.