Grandma’s Crispy Southern Fried Chicken
A delightful recipe for crispy Southern fried chicken that brings golden-brown crunch and juicy flavor to your table.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Poultry
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk (or substitute with milk mixed with vinegar)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (for a hint of heat)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 120 minutes or ideally overnight.
- Prepare the coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
- Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in flour mixture, shake off excess, and place on a baking rack.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C). Drain on paper towels.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the chicken rest before serving to maintain juiciness.
Notes
For an herbed variation, mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the flour coating. For a healthier alternative, try oven-baking the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes.
Find it online: https://www.wholesomeeasy.com/crispy-southern-fried-chicken/