Southern fried chicken is a classic dish that’s popular in the Southern United States. Here’s a recipe that you can use to make delicious and crispy Southern fried chicken at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or a combination)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp. paprika
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- 1 tbsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken pieces in a separate bowl or a large zip-top bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, and toss to coat.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess buttermilk drip off.
- Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, making sure they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon, and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
- Serve the fried chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.
Note: Be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C) before serving. This recipe can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper.