The Ultimate Guide to Southern-Style Crispy Fried Chicken
A classic Southern fried chicken recipe marinated in buttermilk and double-dredged for the ultimate crunch.
Equipment
- 1 Cast Iron Skillet Best for even frying
- 1 Deep Fry Thermometer Ensures correct oil temperature
- 1 Wire Rack Keeps chicken crispy after frying
- 1 Mixing Bowls For buttermilk marinade & flour dredging
- 1 Tongs For safe handling while frying
Ingredients
- 4 ibs Chicken (bone-in, skin-on) Drumsticks, thighs, or breasts
- 2 cups Buttermilk For marinating
- 2 cups All-purpose flour Forms crispy coating
- ½ cup Cornstarch Adds extra crunch
- 1 tbsp salt Enhances flavor
- 1 tbsp Black pepper Adds spice
- 1 tbsp Paprika Gives color and subtle smokiness
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder Boosts umami taste
- 1 tbsp Onion powder Adds mild sweetness
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper Adds a slight heat
- 1 tsp Baking powder Helps create a crispier crust
- 4 cups Peanut or canola oil For frying
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Pour in buttermilk and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and baking powder to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing the excess liquid to drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides. For extra crispiness, repeat the dredging process.
- Heat 4 cups of peanut or canola oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.
- Carefully place chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches for 12-15 minutes. Turn occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove fried chicken and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with biscuits, mashed potatoes, or your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Notes
🎯 1. Use Bold & Icons for Important Points
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✔ ✅ or 🔥 emojis to grab attention Example:
✅ Tip for Extra Crunch: Let the coated chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying to help the breading stick better.
📌 2. Use Bullet Points for Readability
Instead of long paragraphs, break down tips into bullet points: ❌ Before (Hard to Read):Let the coated chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying. Always fry at 350°F (175°C) for the perfect crispiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. ✔ After (Easier to Read):
✅ Extra Crispy Tips:
- Let the coated chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying.
- Maintain 350°F (175°C) oil temperature for the best crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🖼 3. Add Links to Related Recipes or Guides
If your site has related recipes, include links for internal engagement. 🔗 Example:Want the perfect buttermilk biscuits to go with your chicken? Try this easy homemade recipe!
🎨 4. Add a Colored Background (If Your Theme Supports It)
If your WordPress theme allows, add a highlighted box for key tips. For example, in Gutenberg Block Editor, use:✔ "Quote Block" for a stylish tip box
✔ "Info Box" (if using WPBakery/Elementor) Example Display in a Box:
Pro Tip: Reheat fried chicken in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy—avoid microwaving!