Go Back

Classic Southern Fried Chicken

A comforting and delicious classic Southern fried chicken recipe that's perfect for any occasion, bringing joy and satisfaction to your dinner table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Marinade
  • 4 pounds whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups buttermilk Alternatively, mix 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
Coating
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Frying
  • as needed vegetable oil for frying

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Prepare the Coating
  1. In another bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Chicken
  1. Take each marinated chicken piece out of buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture. Set aside on a wire rack.
Heat the Oil
  1. In a large, heavy skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom about 1 inch deep. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
Fry It Up
  1. Carefully add chicken pieces to hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 10-12 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Drain and Serve
  1. Place the fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. Enjoy!

Notes

For batch cooking, double or triple the recipe for gatherings. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.