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Freshly fried Southern chicken resting on a wire rack

Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

Southern fried chicken is a classic dish built around simple ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Chicken pieces are seasoned, soaked in buttermilk, coated in seasoned flour, and fried until deeply golden and crisp.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds bone-in chicken pieces
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce, optional
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Neutral cooking oil, for frying

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season lightly.
  2. Combine the buttermilk and optional hot sauce.
  3. Add the chicken and marinate for 4 hours or overnight.
  4. Combine flour, cornstarch, and all remaining dry seasonings.
  5. Remove chicken from the buttermilk and coat thoroughly in seasoned flour.
  6. For extra crunch, dip it back into buttermilk and coat again.
  7. Rest the coated chicken for 10–15 minutes.
  8. Heat oil to approximately 350°F (175°C).
  9. Fry chicken in batches without overcrowding.
  10. Cook until deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  11. Transfer to a wire rack and lightly season with salt.
  12. Rest for 5–10 minutes, then serve hot.