Crispy Southern Fried Chicken
This tasty Southern-fried chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal planning.
Seasonings for Southern Fried Chicken
The chicken is seasoned with a flavorful mix of paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Chef’s Tips
- If your chicken breasts are much larger than the thighs, cut them in half crosswise for more even cooking.
- For extra flavor and tenderness, consider brining the chicken ahead of time using your favorite recipe.
How to Prepare Southern Fried Chicken
Below, you’ll find the full recipe, but here’s a quick summary of the steps you’ll follow to make this delicious Southern fried chicken:
- Mix the flour and seasonings together in a resealable bag.
- Add the chicken and shake to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate the floured chicken for a while.
- Once chilled, coat the chicken in the flour mixture again.
- Fry the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Expert Kitchen Tips
This highly-rated recipe has been tested in our kitchen. Here are some professional tips from our culinary team:
- Make sure you have at least 2 quarts of oil for frying the chicken, with the oil being at least 1.5 inches deep for consistent frying.
- If you don’t own a deep fryer, a 4 to 5-quart heavy pan works great for deep frying chicken.
- Don't skip the step of chilling the floured chicken in the fridge—it helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier finish.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Southern Fried Chicken
If you're looking for inspiration on what to serve alongside your fried chicken, check out our collection of Side Dishes for Fried Chicken. Here are some tempting ideas you can try:
- Baked Beans
- Mom's Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese
- Squash Casserole
Community Tips and Praise from Dinogo Users
“I absolutely loved it,” says elvers. “Such an easy, quick dinner with amazing flavor!”
“This has quickly become a family favorite,” shares MtHigh. “Perfect fried chicken with very little effort required.”
“I paired this with mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans ... truly a perfect comfort meal,” says scs08.
Editorial input by Corey Williams
Ingredients List
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
2 teaspoons paprika
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (Optional)
-
1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
-
vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare all the ingredients you'll need for this recipe.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
In a large resealable bag, mix flour, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Add the chicken pieces and shake to coat them evenly.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Place the floured chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, saving the remaining flour from the bag. Refrigerate the chicken for 45 minutes or until the coating becomes thick and paste-like.
In the meantime, add 1 ½ inches of oil to a deep fryer or a 5-quart heavy pot. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C).
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Return the chicken pieces to the bag of flour and toss them once more to ensure they’re evenly coated. This extra layer helps the breading stick better for a crispier texture. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
Carefully lower the chicken pieces, 2 to 3 at a time, into the hot oil. Fry them until golden brown, turning occasionally, for about 8 to 12 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) near the bone.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep the chicken warm in the preheated oven while you fry the rest of the pieces.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Serve the chicken hot and enjoy every crispy bite!
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Note from the Editor:
The nutritional information provided for this recipe includes the full amount of breading ingredients. The actual breading consumed may vary. For the oil, we've estimated a 10% retention after frying, though the exact amount can depend on cooking time, temperature, and the type of oil used.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| 491 | Calories |
| 32g | Fat |
| 16g | Carbs |
| 33g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 4 | |
| Calories 491 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 32g | 41% |
| Saturated Fat 7g | 34% |
| Cholesterol 97mg | 32% |
| Sodium 94mg | 4% |
| Total Carbohydrate 16g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 3% |
| Total Sugars 0g | |
| Protein 33g | 66% |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium 19mg | 1% |
| Iron 3mg | 15% |
| Potassium 301mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
Evaluation :
5/5