Best 2 Best Southern Fried Chicken Recipes

**Best Southern Fried Chicken: A Culinary Journey to Flavorful Delights**

In the realm of culinary treasures, few dishes embody the essence of Southern comfort food quite like fried chicken. With its crispy golden crust, tender and juicy meat, and an explosion of flavors, Southern fried chicken has captivated taste buds for generations. This article presents a curated collection of the best Southern fried chicken recipes, each offering unique twists and tantalizing variations on this classic dish. From the traditional to the innovative, these recipes promise an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

The Southern-style fried chicken is characterized by its distinct double-coating technique, which involves dredging the chicken in seasoned flour, buttermilk, and then flour again. This process creates a flavorful, crunchy crust that seals in the chicken's natural juices, resulting in perfectly cooked, succulent meat. The buttermilk marinade adds an extra layer of flavor and tenderness, while the spices and herbs used in the flour mixture impart a harmonious blend of savory and aromatic notes.

This article features a diverse range of Southern fried chicken recipes, catering to various preferences and dietary needs. Whether you favor classic recipes that stay true to tradition or are intrigued by modern interpretations with unexpected ingredients, there's a recipe here to satisfy every palate. From the crispy perfection of Classic Southern Fried Chicken to the tantalizing twist of Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey Sriracha Glaze, each recipe is meticulously crafted to deliver an exceptional dining experience.

For those seeking a healthier alternative, the article includes a guilt-free Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken recipe that utilizes an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture without the added oil. Additionally, the Gluten-Free Southern Fried Chicken recipe offers a delicious option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. And for those who love a bit of heat, the Nashville Hot Chicken recipe brings the fiery flavors of Nashville straight to your kitchen.

With detailed instructions, helpful tips, and stunning food photography, this article provides everything you need to create mouthwatering Southern fried chicken that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove or air fryer, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the timeless allure of Southern-fried chicken.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BEST SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN

Best Southern Fried Chicken image

Here's a traditional southern fried chicken recipe. My husband is a ham radio operator and we've shared this recipe with folks from all over the world. -Jo Ruh, Covington, Kentucky

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 broiler/fryer chickens (3 to 3-1/2 pounds each), cut up
1 cup canola oil
MILK GRAVY:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup milk
1 cup water
1/8 teaspoon browning sauce, optional
Fresh oregano, optional

Steps:

In a shallow bowl, beat eggs and milk. In another bowl, combine flour and seasonings. Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, then in flour mixture. , In a large skillet; brown chicken in oil on both sides. Cover and cook the chicken over low heat for 45 minutes or until juices run clear. Remove chicken from the skillet; keep warm. Reserve 1/4 cup drippings in skillet. , For gravy, stir in the flour, salt and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat for 5 minutes or until browned. Combine milk and water; add to skillet. Bring to a boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add browning sauce if desired. Serve with chicken. Garnish with oregano if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 551 calories, Fat 40g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 123mg cholesterol, Sodium 680mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 26g protein.

SOUTHERN LIVING'S BEST FRIED CHICKEN

Southern Living's Best Fried Chicken image

Many modern cooks have never learned to fry. We are convinced that fried food is unhealthy, unpopular and messy. But Norman King, a lifelong Southerner, a registered dietitian and a food editor at Southern Living magazine set out to change that. In "The Way to Fry," he offers both a guide to proper deep-frying technique, and a terrific recipe for crunchy, juicy fried chicken. While at first glance the recipe may resemble every other fried chicken you've ever seen, the differences lie in the precise instructions, ensuring chicken that's cooked through, golden and crisp. A little bacon fat is an option for flavor.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories dinner, main course

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt
1 chicken with skin, about 2 1/2 pounds, cut up into 8 pieces (see note)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable oil, like grapeseed, peanut or canola (do not use olive oil)
1/4 cup bacon drippings (or use more oil)

Steps:

Combine 1 tablespoon salt with 3 quarts water in a large bowl or container. Add chicken, cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Drain, rinse with cold water and pat dry.
Stir together remaining 1 teaspoon salt and the black pepper. Sprinkle half the mixture evenly over chicken.
In a large sealable plastic bag, combine remaining pepper mixture and flour. Add 2 pieces chicken to bag and shake well to coat. Remove chicken pieces, shaking off extra flour, and set aside. Repeat with remaining chicken.
Take a large (10- or 12-inch) cast-iron skillet or chicken fryer, for which you have a lid, and fit with a candy or deep-frying thermometer. Add oil and bacon drippings and heat to 360 degrees over medium heat; the oil will ripple and possibly give off a few wisps of smoke.
Using tongs, immediately add chicken pieces, skin side down (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding pan). The oil will drop to about 325 degrees, where it should stay; adjust heat so that oil is bubbling gently around the pieces. Cover and cook 6 minutes; uncover and cook 9 minutes. Turn chicken pieces; cover and cook 6 minutes. Uncover and cook another 5 to 9 minutes, depending on size of pieces. If necessary for even browning, turn pieces over a few times toward the end.
Drain on paper towels or paper bags. Let cool at least 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1151, UnsaturatedFat 58 grams, Carbohydrate 36 grams, Fat 85 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 65 grams, SaturatedFat 19 grams, Sodium 812 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

Use a cast iron skillet. Cast iron skillets retain heat evenly, which helps to create a crispy crust on the chicken.
Season the chicken well. A good seasoning blend will help to flavor the chicken and give it a golden-brown color.
Use a buttermilk marinade. Buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and gives it a slightly tangy flavor.
Fry the chicken in hot oil. The oil should be at least 350 degrees Fahrenheit when you add the chicken.
Don't overcrowd the skillet. If you overcrowd the skillet, the chicken will not cook evenly and will be more likely to stick to the pan.
Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit when it is done.

Conclusion:

Southern fried chicken is a classic dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Whether you are making it for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, these tips will help you make the best southern fried chicken possible.