Description
Crispy Southern fried chicken batter delivers golden, irresistible crunch that whispers comfort and tradition. Southern kitchens spark magic when simple ingredients blend into a perfect coating that seals in juicy chicken goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 8 pieces chicken (legs, thighs, breasts, or wings)
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups buttermilk (or 2 cups milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- Vegetable oil (peanut oil or canola oil)
Instructions
- Submerge chicken pieces in a zesty buttermilk bath, enhancing flavor with optional hot sauce. Refrigerate for a minimum of two hours, allowing the marinade to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Create a dynamic seasoning blend by combining flour, cornstarch, and an aromatic medley of spices including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
- Extract chicken from buttermilk marinade, letting excess liquid cascade off. Meticulously enrobe each piece in the spiced flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage. For an ultra-crispy exterior, repeat the dipping process by returning coated chicken to buttermilk and then re-dusting with seasoned flour.
- Prepare a deep skillet or Dutch oven with sufficient oil to partially submerge chicken. Gradually heat oil to 350F, maintaining a consistent temperature. Carefully introduce chicken pieces in small batches, avoiding overcrowding. Rotate periodically during cooking to achieve uniform golden-brown perfection.
- Monitor chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165F for safe consumption. This typically requires 12-15 minutes of frying, depending on piece size.
- Transfer freshly fried chicken to a wire rack or absorbent paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining optimal crispiness.
- Serve immediately alongside classic Southern accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or warm, buttery biscuits.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is at room temperature before marinating to help it absorb flavors more effectively and cook evenly.
- Double-coating technique creates an ultra-crispy, thick crust that locks in moisture and delivers incredible crunch.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken.
- For gluten-free adaptation, swap wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend, maintaining the same seasoning ratios.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg