The Ultimate Guide to Making Mouth-Watering Southern Fried Chicken

Hey y’all! If you love Southern food like I do, then you know there’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked, crispy, juicy piece of fried chicken. Whether you’re cooking for Sunday dinner, a family gathering, or just craving some good ol’ comfort food, this Southern fried chicken recipe is sure to hit the spot.

First things first, let’s talk about the ingredients. You’ll need some chicken (duh!), flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, buttermilk, and oil for frying. You can use any type of chicken you like – legs, thighs, breasts, or even a whole chicken cut into pieces. Just make sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. And don’t be afraid to use a mix of white and dark meat – that’s what makes Southern fried chicken so tasty!

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Introduction:
Southern Fried Chicken is a famous dish from the southern region of the United States. This savory, crispy, and juicy fried chicken recipe is not just a crowd-pleaser but also comforting and satisfying. In this article, we will be discussing the step-by-step process of how to make a delicious and mouth-watering Southern Fried Chicken. So let’s dive in!

10 Steps to Make Southern Fried Chicken:

1. Choose the right chicken pieces

To make southern fried chicken, you will need chicken pieces with bones and skin. The best chicken parts for this recipe are drumsticks, thighs, wings, and breasts. Keep in mind that the chicken should be fresh or thawed if stored in the freezer. If you are using whole chicken, it’s better to cut it into smaller pieces to make frying easier.

2. Brine the chicken

Brining the chicken improves the overall taste and ensures that the chicken stays juicy and tender while frying. To make the brine, mix water, salt, sugar, and any desired seasonings like rosemary or thyme. Soak the chicken in the brine overnight in the refrigerator, or at least for 2-3 hours before frying.

3. Season the chicken

Before coating the chicken in flour, make sure to season it with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs and spices. You can use a dry rub or a wet marinade for added flavor. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

4. Prepare the flour breading

To make the crispy breading, mix flour with any desired seasonings like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder. Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

5. Heat the oil

In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat the oil to 350°F to 375°F. The amount of oil should be enough to submerge the chicken pieces. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying.

6. Fry the chicken

Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, flipping it once, until the breading is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel to drain the excess oil.

7. Keep the chicken warm

To keep the fried chicken warm and crispy, place it in a preheated oven at 200°F while you are frying the other batches.

8. Try different variations

Southern Fried Chicken is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit everyone’s taste buds. Experiment with different marinades, spices, and coatings to find your favorite flavor combination. You can also try adding buttermilk or hot sauce to the flour mixture for added tanginess and heat.

9. Serve and enjoy

Serve the Southern Fried Chicken hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or mac and cheese. Garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor and color.

10. Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers, store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Conclusion:
Southern Fried Chicken is one of the most delicious and flavorful dishes that can be enjoyed all year round. By following these ten simple steps, you can easily make your own southern fried chicken at home. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or barbecues, this dish is sure to impress everyone. So, why not take a crack at making your own Southern Fried Chicken and enjoy all the goodness it has to offer?

Section Two: Ingredients and Equipment

When it comes to making southern fried chicken, it’s important to have all the necessary ingredients and equipment on hand before you begin. In this section, we’ll discuss the ingredients you’ll need to make this dish, as well as the equipment you’ll need to make sure it comes out perfectly.

1. Chicken
When it comes to southern fried chicken, the star of the show is obviously the chicken itself. Look for fresh, bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks, as these will yield the best results. Avoid buying frozen chicken, as it can be difficult to get a crispy crust when using it.

2. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is an essential ingredient for making southern fried chicken. It adds moisture to the chicken and helps tenderize the meat. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.

3. Flour
Flour is what creates the crispy crust on the outside of the chicken. All-purpose flour works well, but you can also use a mixture of flour and cornmeal for added crunch.

4. Spices
Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper are all common spices used in southern fried chicken. This combination provides the right balance of flavor and heat.

5. Oil
You’ll need a neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, for frying the chicken. Make sure you have enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces.

6. Large Pot or Dutch Oven
A large pot or Dutch oven is ideal for frying the chicken. You’ll want a pot that is large enough to hold all the chicken pieces without overcrowding them.

7. Thermometer
It’s important to have a thermometer on hand to monitor the temperature of the oil as you fry the chicken. The oil needs to be hot enough to create a crispy crust, but not so hot that it burns.

8. Tongs
Tongs are essential for flipping the chicken pieces in the hot oil and removing them without getting burned.

9. Wire Rack
After the chicken is done frying, it should be placed on a wire rack to cool. This allows any excess oil to drain off and keeps the chicken crispy.

10. Paper Towels
Finally, you’ll want to have plenty of paper towels on hand to soak up any excess oil from the chicken. If you skip this step, you risk ending up with greasy chicken that isn’t as crispy as it should be.

By having all these ingredients and equipment on hand, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect southern fried chicken. Now that you know what you need, it’s time to start cooking!

Ingredients Needed

Making southern fried chicken is all about the right combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before getting started:

1. Preparing the Ingredients

Before getting started with the cooking process, prepare your ingredients first. Cut the chicken into pieces. Rinse them with water and pat dry with a paper towel. Set aside.

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Set it aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until they are well combined.

2. Marinating the Chicken

Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk and egg mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour or overnight.

3. Coating the Chicken

When you are ready, remove the bowl of marinated chicken from the refrigerator and take one piece of chicken at a time. Dip it into the flour mixture, then back into the buttermilk mixture, and then back into the flour mixture. This double-dipping process will ensure a thick and crispy crust.

4. Frying the Chicken

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 3 cups of oil over medium-high heat, until it reaches a temperature of 350°F. Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 15-20 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

5. Draining and Serving

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a wire rack set over a sheet pan to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits. Enjoy your delicious southern fried chicken!

Enjoy Your Crispy, Juicy Southern Fried Chicken!

Now that you have learned how to make the ultimate southern fried chicken, it’s time to heat up your stove and get cooking! We hope you enjoyed this recipe and found our tips helpful. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasoning and spices to make it your own. As always, thank you for reading and visit us again for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration! Happy cooking!