There’s something about the aroma of fried chicken that instantly transports you back to family gatherings and summer picnics. The sound of sizzling chicken in hot oil is music to my ears, and when that first bite hits your taste buds, it feels like a warm hug. This Extra Crispy Southern Fried Chicken recipe is not only mouthwatering but also simple enough to whip up any day of the week. Trust me, your kitchen will become the place to be!
Why You’ll Love Extra Crispy Southern Fried Chicken 🥗✨
- Fast: You can have the main components prepped and in the fryer in about 20 minutes.
- Easy: It’s a straightforward dredging and frying method that even beginner cooks can master.
- Giftable: This crispy delight travels well, making it perfect for potlucks or as a “get well soon” meal.
- Crowd-pleasing: Even folks who think they don’t like fried chicken can’t resist its crispy, juicy goodness!
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces – Choose your favorite parts for frying.
- 2 cups buttermilk – This adds moisture and tenderness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The key to that crispy coating.
- 1 tablespoon paprika – For a warm color and subtle flavor.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder – Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder – Complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper – For a little kick! Adjust based on your heat preference.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of spice.
- Vegetable oil, for frying – You want enough oil to cover the chicken pieces.
How to Make Extra Crispy Southern Fried Chicken 🥗✨
- In a large bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 4 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator. This is crucial for juicy chicken!
- In another large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and allow excess liquid to drip off.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Make sure it’s hot enough for that perfect fry!
- Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. This keeps the temperature steady.
- Fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps maintain that crispy texture.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Substitutions & Additions
- Replace buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with vinegar for a similar effect.
- Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the flour mixture for an aromatic twist.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Try adding a splash of hot sauce to the buttermilk for extra flavor!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to let the chicken rest after frying—this helps keep the coating crispy.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying; this can lead to soggy chicken.
- If you’re prepping ahead, soak the chicken in buttermilk the night before for maximum flavor.
- Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is the right temperature for frying.
How to Store Extra Crispy Southern Fried Chicken 🥗✨
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just reheat it in the oven to get that crispiness back!
FAQs
- Can I make this chicken in the oven? Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- What can I serve with fried chicken? Classic sides include coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
- How can I make the chicken extra spicy? Increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to follow my Pinterest account for more delicious ideas!
Extra Crispy Southern Fried Chicken
There's something about the aroma of fried chicken that instantly transports you back to family gatherings and summer picnics. This Extra Crispy Southern Fried Chicken recipe is not only mouthwatering but also simple enough to whip up any day of the week.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: In a large bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 4 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: In another large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Step 3: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and allow excess liquid to drip off.
- Step 4: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated.
- Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 6: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary.
- Step 7: Fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally.
- Step 8: Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Step 9: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.