🍗 Classic Southern Fried Chicken 😍
Crispy, golden, juicy, and packed with flavor! 🍗🔥 This old-fashioned fried chicken has that crunchy seasoned coating everyone loves, with tender, juicy chicken underneath. Perfect for Sunday dinner, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving real comfort food! ❤️
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 3 lbs chicken pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Coating:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
For Frying:
- Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
Method:
- Place chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and thyme.
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing the coating onto the chicken.
- For an extra-crispy crust, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat again in the flour mixture.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the chicken in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 12–16 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Transfer to a wire rack to drain. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🍗 Serve with: Mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, biscuits, corn, or your favorite Southern sides