Craving that classic, crispy, juicy Southern fried chicken? Look no further! This recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring perfectly golden-brown, flavorful chicken that’s sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience the joy of making restaurant-quality Southern fried chicken right in your own kitchen. Our recipe is designed for absolute beginners, so don’t worry if you’ve never fried chicken before – you’ll be a pro in no time!
This incredibly flavorful and crispy Southern fried chicken recipe is surprisingly easy to make. Forget complicated techniques and confusing instructions. We’ve broken down the process into manageable steps that even a first-time cook can master. Prepare for a delightful culinary journey that will leave you craving more of this iconic dish. Every bite is a burst of flavor, showcasing the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior that defines authentic Southern fried chicken.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Servings | 4-6 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate): Calories: 450-500, Fat: 25-30g, Saturated Fat: 5-7g, Cholesterol: 100-120mg, Sodium: 500-600mg, Carbohydrates: 30-35g, Protein: 30-35g. Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients used.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts) | 2 lbs |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | 2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 3 cups |
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This is your dredging station for the Southern fried chicken.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. This will be your egg wash for the Southern fried chicken.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This is crucial for extra crispy Southern fried chicken.
- Dip each chicken piece in the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off. This step contributes greatly to the crispy finish of our Southern fried chicken.
- Next, dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres well. Make sure the flour coats each piece for truly crispy Southern fried chicken.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully for perfectly fried Southern fried chicken.
- Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary for the best results when making Southern fried chicken.
- Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures that our Southern fried chicken is cooked perfectly.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This is an essential step for the crispiest Southern fried chicken.
- Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions: This amazing Southern fried chicken is delightful on its own but is even better with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or Southern-style green beans. A simple dipping sauce, like honey mustard or BBQ sauce, complements the crispy chicken perfectly. The possibilities are endless!
Notes and Tips for the Best Southern Fried Chicken:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for consistently crispy Southern fried chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying to allow excess oil to drain. This maximizes the crispiness of our Southern fried chicken.
- For extra crispy Southern fried chicken, you can double-dredge the chicken, dipping it in the egg wash and flour mixture twice.
- Experiment with different spices and seasonings in the flour mixture to customize your Southern fried chicken. Try adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more complex flavor profile.
- Leftover Southern fried chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer for optimal results. Reheating helps maintain the crispy texture.
Enjoy your incredibly delicious and perfectly crispy Southern fried chicken!
