Discover Your Creative Kitchen AI Companion
Let our assistant inspire your next meal!
Simply provide a recipe idea or the ingredients you have, and ScrummyChef will instantly come up with a new recipe just for you.

Southern Fried Chicken

3.8
Save
Rate
Tap to rate
PREP TIME
20 min
COOKING TIME
40 min
TOTAL TIME
300 min
SERVINGS
8 servings
Dinner Southern
Southern Fried Chicken
Ingredients
  • 4 pounds bone-in chicken drumsticks and thighs, with skin
  • 4 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce (such as Crystal ®)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 3 teaspoons ground black pepper, divided
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
Instructions
1
Combine the chicken, buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a spacious, non-reactive container. Thoroughly mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and cayenne until the mixture is well blended.
3
Once the chicken has rested in the refrigerator, carefully remove it and gently shake off any excess marinade. Coat each piece of chicken evenly with the flour mixture, placing it on a wire rack set within a rimmed baking sheet.
4
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven to a depth of 1 inch. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring it to a temperature of 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Once hot, add a few pieces of chicken to the oil and cook, turning occasionally until it reaches a golden brown exterior, is no longer pink at the bone, and the juices run clear. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness by inserting it near the bone; it should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Maintain a consistent oil temperature around 320 degrees F (160 degrees C) during cooking. Remove the chicken to a clean wire rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken pieces, returning the oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) each time.
5
Serve the fried chicken immediately.