Description
Southern-style crispy fried chicken delivers golden perfection with a crackling exterior and juicy meat inside. Generations of home cooks have mastered this classic comfort dish that promises delicious satisfaction with each crunchy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
Marinade Ingredients:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Coating and Frying Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (approximately 34 cups), for deep frying
Instructions
- Submerge chicken pieces in a zesty buttermilk mixture seasoned with aromatic spices, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Refrigerate for several hours to allow flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
- Create a dynamic seasoned flour blend with robust spices, whisking ingredients thoroughly to guarantee even distribution of flavors.
- Extract chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip away. Meticulously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to achieve maximum adherence. For an ultra-crispy exterior, repeat the dredging process by re-dipping in buttermilk and flour.
- Select a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven and pour sufficient oil for deep frying. Monitor temperature precisely using a culinary thermometer, aiming for optimal frying conditions around 350F.
- Gently lower chicken pieces into the bubbling oil, maintaining sufficient spacing to prevent overcrowding. Rotate periodically to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent cooking. Fry until internal temperature reaches a safe 165F, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or absorbent paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain. Permit brief resting time to redistribute internal juices and enhance overall texture.
- Serve immediately while maintaining peak crispiness, accompanied by complementary side dishes that enhance the meal’s flavor profile.
Notes
- Let the chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally overnight in the refrigerator to enhance tenderness and taste.
- Double-dredging creates an extra crunchy coating that seals in moisture and provides a satisfying crispy texture.
- Use a neutral oil with high smoke point like peanut or vegetable oil for consistent, even frying without burning.
- Lower the heat slightly if chicken browns too quickly, ensuring the inside cooks completely without scorching the exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg