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A serving platter filled with crispy, golden fried chicken, garnished with fresh herbs. The platter sits on the white marble cooktop, accompanied by a bowl of Crockpot Green Bean Casserole and a fresh Cucumber Salad, ready to be served

Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

This Crispy Southern Fried Chicken is golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Buttermilk makes it tender inside, while a seasoned flour coating delivers the perfect crunch. A true Southern comfort classic!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, southern
Servings 8
Calories 489 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Tongs
  • Wire rack or paper towels
  • Thermometer (for oil temperature)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 4 pound chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour for coating
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 quarts vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk and let them sit for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
    A glass bowl on a white marble cooktop, filled with fresh chicken pieces fully submerged in creamy buttermilk. Small bubbles form on the surface, indicating the marination process.
  • Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
    A glass mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop containing a blend of all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. A hand is seen whisking the ingredients together, ensuring an even coating mixture for the fried chicken.
  • Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, let excess drip off, and coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.
    : A coated piece of chicken being lifted from the buttermilk with tongs over a glass bowl on a white marble cooktop. The excess buttermilk drips off before the chicken is placed into the seasoned flour mixture for coating.
  • Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
    A deep black skillet on a white marble cooktop, filled with hot vegetable oil shimmering at 350°F. A thermometer is clipped to the side, ensuring the perfect frying temperature for crispy chicken.
  • Fry the Chicken: Fry in batches for 10-12 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
    Golden-brown chicken pieces sizzling in hot oil inside a deep black skillet on a white marble cooktop. Bubbles surround the crispy coating as the chicken fries to perfection.
  • Drain & Rest: Place fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
    Freshly fried chicken being lifted from the hot oil with tongs and placed onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet on the white marble cooktop. The crispy, golden crust glistens as excess oil drips off.
  • Serve Hot: Enjoy with your favorite sides like Crockpot Green Bean Casserole or Cucumber Salad.
    A serving platter filled with crispy, golden fried chicken, garnished with fresh herbs. The platter sits on the white marble cooktop, accompanied by a bowl of Crockpot Green Bean Casserole and a fresh Cucumber Salad, ready to be served