There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of perfectly executed Classic Southern Fried Chicken. This time-honored recipe has been passed down through generations of Southern kitchens, creating golden, crispy perfection that’s become an American culinary icon. The secret lies in the careful balance of seasoning, proper brining technique, and achieving that signature super crispy coating that makes each bite an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re planning summer dinner recipes for family gatherings or looking for the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style, this traditional fried chicken recipe delivers exceptional results every time. With simple ingredients and proven techniques, you’ll master the art of creating restaurant-quality Extra Crispy Southern Fried Chicken right in your own kitchen, making it one of the best fried chicken recipes you’ll ever try.
Recipe Information
Difficulty: Medium
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Brining Time: 4-24 hours
Servings: 6-8 people
Estimated Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Classic Southern Fried Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), cut into 8 pieces, or 3 lbs mixed chicken pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Fried Chicken Mix Recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (secret for extra crispiness)
For Frying:
- 6-8 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil for deep frying
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk (for coating)
Equipment Required
- Large mixing bowls
- Deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot
- Candy/deep-fry thermometer
- Wire cooling rack
- Paper towels
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Large zip-lock bags or shallow dishes for coating
Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Brine
Combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces, ensuring they’re completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This brining process is crucial for tender, flavorful meat and helps create the foundation for Super Crispy Fried Chicken.
Step 2: Create the Seasoned Flour Mix
In a large shallow dish or zip-lock bag, combine all dry ingredients: flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly. The baking powder is a secret ingredient that helps achieve that extra crispy coating that makes this the Best Fried Chicken Recipe.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour oil into your deep fryer or large heavy pot, ensuring at least 3 inches of depth. Heat oil to 325°F (165°C). Maintaining proper temperature is essential for Deep Fryer Fried Chicken that’s crispy outside and juicy inside. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure coating adheres well. For extra crispiness, dip coated chicken back into reserved buttermilk, then coat again in flour mixture. This double-coating technique creates the signature texture of Traditional Fried Chicken.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place chicken pieces in hot oil, starting with thicker pieces (thighs and breasts) first. Don’t overcrowd the pot – fry in batches if necessary. Fry for 12-15 minutes for smaller pieces (wings, drumettes) and 15-18 minutes for larger pieces (breasts, thighs), turning once halfway through cooking.
Step 6: Monitor Temperature and Color
Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is deep golden brown. The oil temperature may drop when chicken is added, so adjust heat to maintain 325°F throughout cooking process.
Step 7: Drain and Rest
Remove chicken using tongs and place on wire rack over paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps redistribute juices and maintains crispiness.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Country Fried Chicken Breast:
- Pat chicken completely dry before coating for maximum crispiness
- Don’t skip the brine – it’s essential for juicy, flavorful meat
- Maintain oil temperature consistently for even cooking
- Use a wire rack instead of paper towels alone to prevent soggy bottoms
- Season immediately after frying while coating is still hot
Variations and Adaptations:
- Spicy Version: Double the cayenne pepper and add 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- Herb-Crusted: Add 2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs (rosemary, sage, or parsley)
- Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with equal parts cornstarch and rice flour
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping once
- Oven-Fried: Bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes on a wire rack-lined baking sheet
Perfect Summer Recipes Pairings:
This Classic Southern Fried Chicken pairs beautifully with traditional summer appetizers and sides:
- Creamy coleslaw for cooling contrast
- Buttermilk biscuits with honey butter
- Mac and cheese for ultimate comfort
- Pickled vegetables to cut through richness
- Sweet tea or ice-cold lemonade
Storage and Reheating:
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container
- Reheat in oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness
- Freeze cooked chicken up to 3 months (thaw before reheating)
- Avoid microwaving as it makes coating soggy
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 890mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Conclusion
This Classic Southern Fried Chicken recipe represents the pinnacle of American comfort food – crispy, flavorful, and satisfying in every bite. The combination of proper brining, seasoned coating, and careful frying technique creates restaurant-quality results that make this truly the Best Fried Chicken Recipe Easy enough for home cooks to master. Whether you’re serving it as part of your summer dinner recipes rotation or as a special weekend treat, this Traditional Fried Chicken will become a family favorite.
The key to success lies in patience during the brining process and maintaining proper oil temperature throughout cooking. Don’t rush the process – great fried chicken is worth the time investment. Once you’ve mastered this technique, you’ll never need to search for another fried chicken recipe again.
Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a comment below sharing your experience and any modifications you made! Don’t forget to share photos of your crispy creation on social media – we love seeing your culinary successes. For more classic Southern recipes and cooking tips, explore our other traditional comfort food recipes that bring authentic flavors to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this the best fried chicken recipe easy to follow?
This recipe combines traditional Southern techniques with clear step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. The overnight buttermilk brine ensures tender, flavorful meat, while the seasoned flour coating with baking powder creates exceptional crispiness. Following the temperature guidelines and timing makes success achievable for cooks of all skill levels.
How do I achieve super crispy fried chicken at home?
The secret to Super Crispy Fried Chicken lies in several key techniques: thorough brining in buttermilk, adding baking powder to your flour mixture, double-coating the chicken, and maintaining proper oil temperature at 325°F. Don’t skip the resting period after coating – it helps the breading adhere better during frying.
Can I make this recipe in a deep fryer vs. stovetop?
Absolutely! Deep Fryer Fried Chicken often produces more consistent results because deep fryers maintain temperature automatically. If using a deep fryer, follow the same temperature (325°F) and timing guidelines. For stovetop cooking, use a heavy-bottomed pot with at least 3 inches of oil and monitor temperature carefully with a thermometer.
What’s the difference between this and regular fried chicken mix recipes?
This Traditional Fried Chicken recipe emphasizes authentic Southern seasonings and techniques. The spice blend includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs that create complex flavor layers. The extended buttermilk brine and optional double-coating method set it apart from simpler fried chicken mix recipes, resulting in superior taste and texture.
How can I adapt this recipe for summer entertaining?
This recipe works perfectly for summer recipes because it can be served hot or at room temperature. For summer dinner recipes, consider making it ahead and serving alongside fresh sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob. The chicken also works great as part of summer appetizers when cut into smaller pieces and served with various dipping sauces.
Share your fried chicken success stories in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your family’s reaction to this classic recipe.
