Southern Fried Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Southern Fried Chicken is a beloved dish that captures the essence of comfort food. Its crispy exterior and juicy inside make it a favorite for family dinners, gatherings, or even a special treat on the weekends. With this recipe, you can enjoy authentic Southern flavor right in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

2-3 pounds pieces of chicken
3 eggs (beaten)
1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional for spicy)
1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (divided into 2 portions of ½ tablespoon each)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (divided into 2 portions of 1 teaspoon each)
2 teaspoons garlic powder (divided into 2 portions of 1 teaspoon each)
½-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spicy)
Salt and pepper to taste
1½ cups all-purpose flour
Cooking oil (1-2 inches in the bottom of the pan)

Directions:

Season the chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with ½ tablespoon of Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
Add the eggs and hot sauce: Pour in the beaten eggs and hot sauce. Stir well to fully coat the chicken.
Season the flour: In a plastic or paper bag, combine the flour with the remaining ½ tablespoon of Creole seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the bag and shake to coat it fully in the seasoned flour.
Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the bag and let the breaded chicken rest on a flat surface for 10–15 minutes.
Heat the oil: Heat 1–2 inches of oil to 350 degrees in a heavy-bottomed pot or pan.
Fry the chicken: Carefully add a few pieces of chicken at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry large pieces for about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Smaller pieces, like wings, will fry in 7-10 minutes.
Cool the chicken: Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and let it rest for a few minutes to cool and crisp up.

How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken

Southern Fried Chicken is best served hot, straight from the fryer. Pair it with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread for a true Southern feast. You can also serve it with some hot sauce or honey for an extra kick or sweetness.

How to Store Southern Fried Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through to retain its crispiness.

Tips to Make Southern Fried Chicken

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that crispy texture.
Do not overcrowd the pan when frying; this helps keep the oil temperature consistent.
Let the coated chicken rest before frying to help the breading adhere better.

Variation

For a different flavor, try adding lemon zest or buttermilk to the marinade. This will give your chicken a unique twist while keeping it moist and delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I use other parts of the chicken?
Yes, you can use any part of the chicken, including thighs, breasts, and wings. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the pieces.

2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the seasoned chicken at 400 degrees for about 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.

3. How can I make it less spicy?
Simply omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce from the recipe, and stick with the other seasonings for flavor.