This Crispy Southern Fried Chicken recipe is the best if you are feeling like having a good meal. This recipe will give you a soft and succulent inside with a crispy outside and ready to whet any palette.
Think of eating the traditional sound of southern style fried chicken with fluffy tender meat on the inside. And this recipe will teach you how to balance it all to achieve the best result every time. This will literally revolutionize your comfort food that you make at home!
Key Takeaways
- Discover the secret to tender, juicy fried chicken with a crispy exterior
- Learn the essential techniques for making classic southern-style fried chicken
- Understand the role of ingredients like buttermilk, cornstarch, and peanut oil in achieving the perfect texture
- Explore tips for perfectly cooking chicken pieces and mastering the frying process
- Discover the best ways to store and reheat your delicious fried chicken
The Best Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Treat your taste buds to the best ever southern style fried chicken recipe you ever came across. It is crunchy on the outside and tender in the inside. This dish is completely in line with the southerners’ diet with every stage of its preparation.
Crispy, Flavorful, and Absolutely Divine
The secret to the best southern fried chicken is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is first brined in buttermilk, tenderizing it and adding a savory-sweet note. Then, it’s dredged in seasoned flour and cornstarch, creating a crispy crust.
The aromatic spices like seasoning salt, black pepper, and cayenne add depth to the flavor. This makes the chicken truly special.
A Southern Staple Perfected
Cooking the chicken piece 8-12 min., and deep frying the chicken at temperature of 350-375°F provides a crispy skin on outside. That meat is also through its ways of being done. Peanut oil is used for its high smoking capabilities and flavorlessness, so that the natural flavor myself of chicken can come through.
This is a standard recipe that has been developed to the best possible means and ways. It highlights the delicious cuisine of the southern part of United States of America. I think it is a great piece of work in the culinary field.
“Sink your teeth into this crispy, juicy fried chicken and experience the essence of southern comfort food at its finest.”
Buttermilk: The Secret to Tender Juiciness
Buttermilk is the key to buttermilk fried chicken‘s tenderness and juiciness. Its acidity tenderizes the chicken and adds a unique flavor. This makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy.
To get the juicy fried chicken right, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours. Or, for even better results, marinate it for up to 24 hours. The marinade includes 3 cups of buttermilk, 1 egg, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.
The how to brine fried chicken method is vital. It ensures the chicken stays moist and tender. After soaking in the marinade, the chicken is dredged in a seasoned flour mixture and then fried to perfection.
“Buttermilk is the secret to the most tender and juicy buttermilk fried chicken you’ll ever taste.”
This juicy fried chicken recipe is a Southern classic. Its golden-brown outside and moist inside are a treat for your taste buds. The buttermilk marinade and the special spice blend in the flour make every bite a delight.
Why Add Cornstarch to Fried Chicken Batter?
The secret to a perfectly crispy fried chicken lies in cornstarch. It’s the key to a crunchy coating that keeps the meat juicy.
The Key to a Crunchy Exterior
Cornstarch is key for the crispy texture of southern-style fried fried chicken batter. It absorbs moisture, making the coating lighter and crispier. This ensures it sticks well to the crispy fried chicken.
Using flour and cornstarch in fried chicken makes it crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Cornstarch is crucial for the best fried chicken.
“Argo® Corn Starch is the secret ingredient that makes my fried chicken extra crispy and delicious every time.”
Perfectly Cooking Chicken Pieces
Southern people love their fried chicken. The most important consideration when toasting it is getting the cooking time right to make it crunchy on the outside, yet moist on the inside. Customers should ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken is right for consumption, 165 degrees F.
Drumsticks and thighs should be cooked for 12-14 minutes to know when they reach the 165°F. Chicken breasts also take less time for cooking as it takes roughly 8- 10 minutes for becoming tender at 165°F.
It is important to use a meat thermometer when feeling the temperature of the chicken. It helps in checking if the chicken is well cooked, not overcooked or Under cooked. If you are consistent, you will be able to get the best fried chicken; chock full of outsides that are crispy as well as inside that is moist.
| Chicken Cut | Cooking Time | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs | 12-14 minutes | 165°F |
| Chicken Breasts | 8-10 minutes | 165°F |
| Chicken Drumsticks | 12-14 minutes | 165°F |
Remember, the secret to perfect fried chicken is using a meat thermometer. By following these tips, you’ll get chicken pieces that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside every time.
The Importance of Using Peanut Oil
Frying the perfect Southern-style fried chicken needs the right oil. Peanut oil is the best choice. It makes your chicken crispy, golden, and full of flavor.
A Neutral Flavor for Perfect Taste
Using peanut oil has characterized by a higher smoke point and bear no flavor and odor. This makes it ideal to be used to fry chicken. It allows the chicken and seasonings to season through the flavor instead of tasting the oil throughout the process.
This means your fried chicken will taste amazing. Peanut oil is also important for facilities where they prepare many fried foods. It helps it have a certain flavour without changing the dish, whether it be fried chicken, shrimp or fries.
Peanut oil has a comparatively high smoke point that varies from 450 F (232 C). This is the way you can fry chicken at really high temperature without the oil tarnishing. There is crispy on the outside and very moist on the inside.
Thus, it is not a secret that when it comes to the preparation of the souther fried chicken the peanut oil must be used. It comes with a flavor which is quite neutral and it features a high end smoke point to guarantee your chicken is crispy plus comes out delicious.
Southern Fried Chicken Recipe – Delightfully Tender on the Inside
Check out the tastiest southern fried chicken that will make your chicken crunchy outside and juicy inside. This crispy fried chicken is the real deal, and one that you’ll be glad to have learned how to make at home for that proper southern comfort food experience.
This will have a buttermilk marinate followed by a seasoned flour and cornstarch, then fry the chicken at the right temperature. The end product is juicy and tender chicken that has been seared to provide that perfect crispy finish any chicken lover will want to go in for a second plate.
This recipe for southern fried chicken includes 4 pounds of skin-on bone-in chicken for both white and dark meat alike. Some areas included are the oil temperature must be maintained close to 350°F to avoid under cooking or overcooking the fries. After cooking the latent heat takes place, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach about 74°C or a minimum safe temperature of 165°F.
Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Recipe | Perfectly Juicy with Classic Sides
Enjoy this crispy, juicy fried chicken with the following and more Southern inspired dishes: mashed potatoes, French fries, coleslaw, creamed corn, macaroni and cheese, fried sweet plantains, a green salad or carrot salad with raisins. There are so many ways to serve these plates of homemade fried chicken – side dishes and fixin’s combination are limited only by the imagination.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces | 4 pounds |
| Buttermilk or evaporated milk | As needed for brining |
| Self-rising flour | 2 cups |
| Cornstarch | 1/4 cup |
| Spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper) | To taste |
| Peanut, vegetable, or canola oil for frying | As needed |
Whether you’re craving a classic southern fried chicken experience or looking to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to deliver crispy and juicy perfection every time. Dig in and savor the unforgettable flavors of homemade fried chicken at its finest.
Mastering the Frying Technique
To get the perfect crispy fried chicken, you need to master the frying technique. The secret is in controlling the temperature and managing the batch size. The oil should be heated to about 375°F for even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the frying pan. This can lower the oil temperature too much. Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot and get a crispy crust. Being patient is key to avoid burning the chicken.
Tips for Even Browning and Crispy Perfection
- Heat the oil to 375°F for optimal frying temperature
- Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature
- Use a Dutch oven or deep pot for easy cleaning and temperature control
- Monitor the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through
- Adjust the heat as needed to achieve a golden-brown, crispy crust
By following these tips for crispy fried chicken, you’ll become a pro at frying. You’ll get that Southern-style crispiness every time.
Storing and Reheating Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a favorite in the South, but what about leftovers? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy that crispy, juicy chicken. Just use the right storage and reheating methods.
To keep fried chicken fresh, cool it down first. Then, put it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to reheat fried chicken, the oven or air fryer are best. They make the outside crispy again without drying out the inside.
- Oven method: Preheat to 400°F. Put the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes. Make sure it’s 165°F inside.
- Air fryer method: Set to 390°F. Put the chicken in the basket and air fry for 5 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking.
Let the leftover fried chicken come to room temperature before reheating. This keeps it crispy and ensures it heats evenly. Don’t reheat it too many times, as it can dry out.
“Properly storing and reheating ensures your Southern fried chicken stays crispy and juicy, even as leftovers.”
By following these tips, you can enjoy your fried chicken for a long time. Your leftovers will be just as tasty and crispy as the first time!
Delicious Side Dishes to Accompany Fried Chicken
There cannot be a better accompaniment to this southern fried chicken feast. Mashed potatoes, macaroni, coleslaw, and collard greens fried chicken should be served with side dishes such as butter, spices, sour and low Succulent. For a true southern experience consider including familiar foods such as buttermilk biscuits, or cornbread or even a sweet tea. All of these dishes are examples of traditional southern sides that will make a complete and incredibly delicious meal.
Want to try something new? Accompany fried chicken with a zucchini, Mexican corn or couscous salad, as the dish is gluten-free. You should not leave out roasted okra, heirloom tomato salad, and other skillet sweet potato meal during meal preparation. With fried chicken, there are absolutely no limits to the kind of sides that may be served.
If it’s traditional or an innovation, the most important aspect is moderation. Thanks to the number of options as to what to serve with fried chicken, the only decision you’ll have to make is which tasty options to add.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Mac and Cheese | Creamy and indulgent, mac and cheese is a classic pairing for fried chicken. |
| Mashed Potatoes | Buttery mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side for fried chicken. |
| Coleslaw | Tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of fried chicken. |
| Collard Greens | Savory collard greens are a traditional Southern side that complements fried chicken perfectly. |
| Buttermilk Biscuits | Fluffy buttermilk biscuits are a quintessential Southern accompaniment to fried chicken. |
| Cornbread | Cornbread, whether sweet or savory, is a classic pairing for fried chicken. |
| Sweet Tea | A refreshing sweet tea is the perfect beverage to complete a Southern fried chicken meal. |
Conclusion
The following southern fried chicken is one of the most delicious dishes you can ever have. They are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside like meat. For this one to be achieved one must brine the chicken in buttermilk, coat it in a seasoned flour and corn starch and fry it at the correct temperature.
This guide has everything that you need to know about making southern style fried chicken at home. One will be made to know the ingredients used to prepare it how it is prepared, and how to keep it. This fried chicken can be accompanied closest sides associated with the south for a yummy meal.
The following southern fried chicken makes is ideal, be it preparing for a large number of people or you just need some nice meal. Through the information provided in this article, anyone can prepare a perfect crispy fried chicken right in the comfort of your kitchen just like what you get in the restaurant.
FAQ
What are the key steps to making the best southern fried chicken?
To make the best southern fried chicken, start by brining the chicken in buttermilk. Then, dredge it in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture. Finally, fry it at the right temperature for a crispy outside and juicy inside.
Why is buttermilk an essential ingredient for southern fried chicken?
Buttermilk is key because it tenderizes the chicken and keeps it moist and flavorful. Letting the chicken marinate in buttermilk for 2-24 hours is crucial for that signature juiciness.
How does adding cornstarch to the flour batter improve the fried chicken?
Adding cornstarch to the batter absorbs moisture, making the coating crispier and crunchier. This mix of flour and cornstarch gives the fried chicken a satisfying crunch that seals in the meat’s juices.
How do you ensure the chicken is cooked through properly?
Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. Dark meat like thighs and drumsticks need to reach 165°F. White meat, like breasts, cooks faster to the same temperature.
Why is peanut oil the preferred oil for frying southern fried chicken?
Peanut oil is preferred because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. This lets the chicken’s natural flavors come through. The neutral taste of peanut oil makes the fried chicken taste incredibly flavorful.
How do you store and reheat leftover fried chicken?
Let the fried chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, bake at 400°F for 7-10 minutes or air fry at 390°F for 5 minutes. This keeps the exterior crispy and the meat moist.
What are some classic southern side dishes that pair well with fried chicken?
Classic pairings include creamy mac and cheese, buttery mashed potatoes, and tangy coleslaw. Savory collard greens, buttermilk biscuits, and cornbread are also great. Don’t forget a refreshing glass of sweet tea.