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- Vegetable oil or peanut oil (enough for 1-2 inches in the pan)
How to Make Crunchy Southern Fried Chicken
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and submerge them fully in the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
2. Prepare the Seasoned Flour Coating
- In a shallow bowl or large plate, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and baking powder.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess buttermilk drip off.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. For extra crunch, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and dredge it in flour a second time, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a thicker crust.
4. Heat the Oil
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1-2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). A thermometer is helpful to ensure the oil stays at the right temperature for frying.
5. Fry the Chicken
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, cooking in batches if needed. Fry for about 10-12 minutes for dark meat (drumsticks, thighs) and 8-10 minutes for white meat (breasts, wings), turning halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy with your favorite Southern sides!
Tips for the Perfect Crunchy Southern Fried Chicken
- Use Buttermilk: The buttermilk marinade not only flavors the chicken but also helps tenderize it, keeping it juicy inside.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: A double layer of seasoned flour ensures maximum crunch. Press the flour onto the chicken to create thicker crust layers.
- Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature. Too hot, and the coating will burn before the chicken is cooked through; too cool, and the coating will be greasy instead of crispy.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Fried Chicken is versatile and goes well with a range of sides:
- Buttermilk Biscuits: A classic Southern pairing.
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: Creamy and comforting.
- Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast.
- Cornbread or Mac and Cheese: Classic comfort sides that complement the crispy chicken.
Crunchy Southern Fried Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food
This Crunchy Southern Fried Chicken recipe brings the flavors and textures of a true Southern classic right into your kitchen. With its crispy coating and tender, juicy meat, it’s a dish that’s as delicious as it is nostalgic. Whether you’re enjoying it for Sunday dinner or a special occasion, this fried chicken is bound to become a family favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s full of heart and Southern flavor!