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The Best Southern Fried Chicken

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Enjoy the crispy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned Southern Fried Chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe. Marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, this classic dish boasts a golden, crispy coating and juicy meat. Perfect for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or a comfort food craving, this Southern fried chicken will quickly become a household favorite.

  • Total Time: 8 hours 24 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut up (or 8 pieces of your favorite cuts of chicken)

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 cups buttermilk

2 tablespoons hot sauce

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup cornstarch

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 teaspoons paprika

2 teaspoons black pepper

Peanut oil (for frying)

Flaked salt (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  • Place the chicken in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.

  • Add buttermilk and hot sauce to the chicken, stir to coat, then cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).

  • In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper.

  • Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 325°F.

  • Coat marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Let it sit for a few minutes.

  • Fry the chicken in batches, turning every few minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (12-14 minutes for dark meat, 8-10 minutes for white meat).

  • Drain the fried chicken on paper towels and sprinkle with flaked salt.

  • Repeat frying for the remaining chicken pieces.

Notes

  • You can substitute peanut oil with vegetable or canola oil.

  • To make it spicier, add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.

  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch.

  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Fried
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Gluten Free