Best A Southern Fried Chicken Recipes

Southern fried chicken is a classic dish that is both delicious and comforting. It's a dish that is made by marinating chicken in buttermilk and seasoning, and then coating the pieces in flour and deep frying them. The result is crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Chicken

The main ingredient for southern fried chicken is, of course, chicken. You can use a whole chicken, cut into pieces, or even just chicken thighs, wings, or breasts. The most important thing is to ensure that the chicken is fresh and free from any moisture or ice crystals.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is vital to any good southern fried chicken recipe. It adds a tangy flavor to the chicken and helps to tenderize it. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own at home by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.

Seasoning

Every good southern fried chicken recipe has a secret blend of seasonings that make it unique. Some common ingredients used in the seasoning include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Flour

The flour is used to coat the chicken and create a crispy crust. It's important to use all-purpose flour for the recipe as it takes less time to cook and doesn't burn easily.

Oil

Finally, you need a good-quality oil for frying. Some options include peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. You can also use a deep fryer or a cast-iron skillet to cook the chicken.

Preparation

Marinating the chicken

The first step in making southern fried chicken is to marinate the chicken in buttermilk and seasoning. Mix the buttermilk with your preferred seasonings in a large bowl, then add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Coating the chicken

When you're ready to fry the chicken, remove it from the buttermilk and let any excess liquid drip off. In a separate bowl, mix the flour with more seasoning until well combined. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, coating it well on all sides.

Deep frying the chicken

Heat the oil in a deep fryer or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Draining the chicken

Once the chicken is done, use tongs to remove it from the skillet and let it drain on a wire cooling rack or paper towels. This helps to remove any excess oil and keep the chicken crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Southern fried chicken can be served in a variety of ways. One classic option is to serve it alongside mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn on the cob. It also pairs well with biscuits, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese.

Leftover chicken

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes or until it's heated through and crispy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, southern fried chicken is a delicious and classic dish that is ideal for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or a potluck, southern fried chicken is sure to be a hit.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, crispy piece of southern fried chicken. That golden-brown crust, that succulent meat, and those comforting flavors are enough to transport anyone to a place of pure bliss. Whether it's a family gathering or your weekly cheat meal, there's just something about southern fried chicken that's irresistible. Making southern fried chicken isn't rocket science, but it does take some effort and attention to detail. In this article, we'll dive into some valuable tips that will help you make the best southern fried chicken recipes. From the right ingredients to the ideal cooking methods, we've got you covered. 1. Choose the right chicken The first step to making great southern fried chicken is choosing the right chicken. You want to go for organic, free-range chicken if possible because it always tastes better. If you can, buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself, which not only ensures that you have the right size pieces but also leaves you with chicken that’s perfect for use in other dishes. The best pieces for southern fried chicken are usually the drumsticks, thighs, and wings. These cuts have more flavor, and they are more tender than the breast, which can end up dry and tough. 2. Marinate the chicken Marinating is essential to infusing flavor into your chicken. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is a popular southern tradition that involves soaking the chicken in seasoned buttermilk for several hours or overnight. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, adds flavor, and creates a moist interior. You can also add other ingredients to your marinade, such as herbs, spices, and hot sauce, to create a more complex flavor profile. Don't rush the marinating process; let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results. 3. Use the right flour mix The flour mix for southern fried chicken is traditionally made up of flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. However, some people also add other spices like onion powder, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to give the chicken an extra kick. The ratio of flour to seasoning depends on personal preference, but a common ratio is 1:1. For example, mix one cup of flour with one tablespoon of each spice. Some people like to use cornmeal instead of flour, which gives the chicken a crunchier crust. 4. Use a deep-fry thermometer Frying chicken is a delicate process that requires the right temperature for perfect results. When your oil is too hot, your chicken can burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside, and when the oil is too cool, the crust won't be as crispy. A deep-fry thermometer is an ideal tool to monitor the oil temperature. When the oil reaches 350°F – 375°F, it's ready to fry the chicken. Make sure to keep an eye on the thermometer and adjust the heat as needed. 5. Fry the chicken in batches When frying chicken, the pieces should be cooked in batches to ensure that they cook evenly. Overcrowding the pan can cause the temperature to drop, which results in a soggy crust and unevenly cooked chicken. In a heavy-bottomed pot, add enough oil to come up to 1-2 inches from the bottom. The chicken pieces should be added one at a time, making sure that each one is coated in the flour mixture before dropping it into the hot oil. Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer the pieces onto a wire rack to remove excess oil. 6. Don't forget to season after frying Fried chicken isn't complete without a final seasoning. As soon as you remove the chicken from the fryer, sprinkle it with a pinch of salt and a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. This step ensures that the chicken has the perfect balance of flavor and seasoning. 7. Let the chicken rest Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after frying. This step ensures that the juices distribute evenly throughout the chicken and reduces the risk of burning yourself. Arrange the chicken pieces on a wire rack to keep them crispy and allow them to cool down. Conclusion Southern fried chicken is a beloved comfort food that is enjoyed by people worldwide. Getting it right requires some practice and attention to detail, but the result is worth it. With these valuable tips, you'll be able to create the ultimate southern fried chicken recipe that you and your family are sure to love. Remember to choose the right chicken, marinate it, use the right flour mix, have a deep-fry thermometer handy, fry the chicken in batches, season it after frying, and let it rest before serving. With these tips, you'll have the best southern fried chicken that will make everyone ask for seconds.