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There’s nothing like the crispy golden perfection of a true southern fried chicken recipe. If you are craving juicy meat wrapped in a crisp, seasoned crust, you are in the right place. This is the best fried chicken recipe for reasons. It’s packed with flavors, has the perfect texture and is probably made with simple ingredients that you already find in your kitchen.
Ingredients needed for Southern Fried Chicken
In addition to some common pantry ingredients, you will need bone inkine and the buttermilk you need for this delicious Southern Fried Chicken! This is what you need:
Bone Inchkin – Uses a mixture of white and thick flesh and various fragments (chest, thighs, legs, wings). Buttermilk – The secret to the tender and juicy meat. All-purpose flour – Creates a crunchy coating base. Staples in the Pantry – Salt & Black Pepper, Corn Starch, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Vegetable Oil (or Peanut Oil).
Variations
For a brighter crust, use self-environment flour instead of versatile flour. Add egg wash between dr for extra crust. Add plenty of hot pepper sauce to the buttermilk bath to make it spicy. Another cooking method is to use an air fryer.

How to make southern fried chicken
For more information about the complete recipe, see the printable recipe cards at the bottom of this post. Here are my step-by-step instructions for making fried chicken:
1. Season the chicken
Taste Chikifuru with salt and black pepper and season.


2. Buttermilk marinated chicken
Place seasoned chicken in a large bowl or in a zip-top bag that can be zareeled. Pour in buttermilk and make sure they are completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.



3. Prepare the flour mixture
In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.



4. Drink chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and allow excess to drip. Drink it with a seasoned flour mixture and press firmly against it to allow it to adhere.



Soak the chicken portion in buttermilk and coat again. Drink the second time with the flour mixture to bare the evil skin.


5. Rest the chicken
Place on a wire rack and repeat with the remaining chicken. Let rest for about 10 minutes to set up the coating.


6. Hot oil
Heat the oil in a large deep cast iron frying pan over medium-high heat. Aim for 350°F.


7. Stir the chicken
Fry the chicken (in batches if necessary), about 7-12 minutes per side until golden brown and the inner temperature reaches 165°F.





Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot. If you fill too many chicken at once, the oil temperature will drop.
8. Drainage and rest
Place it on a wire rack on top of the baking sheet with a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm (or cold!).


Fried chicken storage
Cool leftovers to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep it crispy.
What is the best way to reheat fried chicken?
For the best fried chicken leftovers, reheat on a 375°F oven rimmed baking sheet until hot and crispy. Reheating with an air fryer is another great way to keep your chicken crispy. Avoid microwaves as the crust will become flooded. 🙁
Can I freeze this fried chicken?
yes! Allow cooked chicken to cool completely and store in an airtight container. Reheat in a 375°F oven for best results.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
absolutely! Marinate the chicken overnight in a buttermilk bath to add more flavour.

What to serve with Southern Fried Chicken
Combine Southern Fried Chicken with the dishes on the right to make your meal a true South feast! Here are some ideas:

Try more chicken recipes!
There you have it – the best Southern Fried Chicken recipe, crispy, juicy and packed with flavour. Next time you’re craving comfortable food, skip fast food and make it at home. Printable recipe cards can be found below! Have a great day, friends! 🙂
If you are creating this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you could give me a star rating and leave a review in the comments! If you have a photo of the finished dish, please post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tag it with @laurens_latest.

Southern Fried Chicken
Crispy, golden and flavor-filled, this southern fried chicken is soaked in buttermilk for its softness and coated with a fully seasoned crust.
Instructions
Taste Chikifuru with salt and black pepper and season.
Place seasoned chicken in a plate or reimagined bag. Pour in buttermilk and make sure they are completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and allow excess to drip. Drink it with a seasoned flour mixture and press firmly against it to allow it to adhere.
Soak the chicken portion in buttermilk and coat again. Drink the second time with the flour mixture to bare the evil skin.
Place on a wire rack and repeat with the remaining chicken. Let rest for about 10 minutes to set up the coating.
Heat the oil in a large cast iron frying pan over medium heat. Aim for 350°F.
Fry the chicken (in batches if necessary), about 7-12 minutes per side until golden brown and the inner temperature reaches 165°F.
Place it on a wire rack on top of the baking sheet with a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before warming it.
nutrition
calorie: 2148kcal | carbohydrates: 63g | protein: 73g | fat: 178g | Saturated fat: 36g | Polyunsaturated fat: 76g | January Saturated Fat: 52g | Trans Fat: 1g | cholesterol: 391mg | sodium: 1008mg | potassium: 1057mg | fiber: 2g | sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 852iu | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | calcium: 185mg | iron: 6mg