Best 8 Traditional Southern Fried Chicken Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes evoke the essence of Southern comfort food quite like Traditional Southern Fried Chicken. This iconic dish, a symphony of crispy, golden-brown skin and succulent, juicy meat, has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts for generations. Our comprehensive guide will take you on a culinary journey, exploring not one, but three enticing recipes that pay homage to this Southern classic. From the classic Southern Fried Chicken, with its secret blend of herbs and spices, to the tantalizingly spicy Nashville Hot Chicken, and the uniquely flavorful Buttermilk Fried Chicken, each recipe promises an explosion of taste and texture that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, our detailed instructions and helpful tips will guide you through the process, ensuring that every bite is a crispy, juicy, and downright delicious experience. So, get ready to embark on a finger-licking adventure as we delve into the world of Traditional Southern Fried Chicken and discover the secrets behind its enduring popularity.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN



Traditional Southern Fried Chicken image

This recipe can be pan fried or deep fried, but what makes it really Southern are the way you prepare the batter for the skin. Use peanut oil to give the skin an extra crispy texture!

Provided by I Heart Recipes

Categories     Dinner

Time 9h

Number Of Ingredients 16

BRINE
8 cups cold water
2 tbsp kosher salt
4 tbsp sugar
Chicken recipe
4 - 5 lb whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces( or 4-5 lbs of chicken parts))
1/2 cup mild hot sauce (I use Frank's Red Hot for this recipe)
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp poultry seasoning
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
4 cups of peanut oil for frying

Steps:

  • Make sure that the chicken is nice and clean.
  • Combine 8 cups cold water, 2 tbsp salt, and 4 tbsp sugar.
  • Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.
  • Pour the brine ( sugar/salt/water) into the bowl or container with the chicken.
  • Make sure that the chicken is covered with the brine.
  • Cover the bowl/container, then place in the refrigerator overnight
  • Drain the brine from the bowl, but do not rinse the chicken.
  • Place the chicken in a large bowl, then pour the hot sauce all over the chicken.
  • Next, combine the all purpose flour, cornstarch, and all of the seasonings
  • Pour the flour mixture into a large freezer bag, then toss in the chicken wings.
  • Shake the bag, until the chicken is well coated with flour.
  • Remove the chicken from the bag, and shake off any excess flour.
  • Let the chicken sit for about 15 minutes before frying to ensure that the flour sticks.
  • Now pour the oil into a large skillet, and let it heat until it reaches 350-375 F.
  • Carefully add in the chicken, and fry until it's completely cooked throughout, and golden brown.
  • Place the chicken on a paper towel lined plate.
  • Serve and enjoy!

SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN



Southern Fried Chicken image

This recipe is originally from Alabama, and has been passed down for generations.

Provided by Cindy Garrick

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Fried Chicken Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 quart vegetable oil for frying

Steps:

  • Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Roll in flour.
  • Add 1/2 to 3/4 inch oil to a large, heavy skillet. Heat to approximately 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Place chicken pieces in hot oil. Cover, and fry until golden, turning once, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 491.3 calories, Carbohydrate 16.1 g, Cholesterol 97 mg, Fat 32 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 32.8 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 93.7 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

CLASSIC SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN



Classic Southern Fried Chicken image

Super crunchy, classic Southern fried chicken with a slightly salty, flavorful bite. The meat is tender and juicy, and the exterior is light and crispy. Take your time with this... let the soak happen overnight and cook in batches. Cook extra because who doesn't love cold fried chicken? Serve with mashed potatoes and coleslaw with soft rolls to create that perfect bite.

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Time 5h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

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 ½ teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 quart vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

Steps:

  • Combine chicken, buttermilk, hot sauce, 1 tablespoon salt, and 2 teaspoons pepper in a large, non-reactive bowl. Stir until chicken is well coated. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  • Combine flour, 2 teaspoons salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, remaining 1 teaspoon pepper, and cayenne in a large bowl; whisk until well combined.
  • Remove chicken from the refrigerator. Working with one piece at a time, remove from the marinade and allow excess to drip off. Coat evenly in the flour mixture, and set on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Pour oil into a large Dutch oven to a depth of 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Add a few chicken pieces to the hot oil and cook, turning once or twice, until golden brown on the outside, no longer pink at the bone, and the juices run clear, 10 to 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Maintain the oil temperature around 320 degrees F (160 degrees C) during cooking. Remove chicken to a clean wire rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Return oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and repeat to fry remaining chicken.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 695.4 calories, Carbohydrate 45.5 g, Cholesterol 141.7 mg, Fat 33.5 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 50.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.7 g, Sodium 1558 mg, Sugar 6.3 g

TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN



Traditional Southern Fried Chicken image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (2 to 2 1/2-pound) chicken
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
3 cups lard

Steps:

  • Cut the chicken into frying pieces. In a shallow bowl beat the eggs and then stir in the milk, salt, and pepper. Soak the chicken in the milk mixture for 5 to 10 minutes. Roll the chicken in flour, being sure to completely cover each piece. Set aside to dry.
  • In a large cast-iron skillet melt lard over medium heat. When the fat is very hot add the thighs and legs and cook for several minutes. Add the other pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Continue cooking until the chicken is golden brown on 1 side (about 5 minutes). Turn and brown on the other side. Reduce the heat to medium low. Cover the pan and cook for 15 minutes. Turn the pieces, cover, and continue to cook for 15 minutes longer. Uncover for the last 5 to 10 minutes so the crust will be crisp.

CLASSIC SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN



Classic Southern Fried Chicken image

This is a basic Southern fried chicken recipe and the only one you will ever need. Chicken pieces are fried to perfection with a seasoned flour coating.

Provided by Diana Rattray

Categories     Entree     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/2 cups milk
2 large eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons salt (plus additional for sprinkling)
2 teaspoons black pepper
4 pounds chicken (bone-in, skin-on pieces)
3 cups vegetable oil (or amount needed for frying)

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 200 F and place a rack in a large baking pan.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the milk and eggs. Whisk to blend well.
  • In a large heavy-duty resealable plastic food storage bag, combine the flour, 2 tablespoons salt, and pepper. Seal and shake to combine.
  • Dip the chicken pieces in the milk and egg mixture and let excess drip off into the bowl. Set already dipped pieces aside on a plate until you have three or four.
  • Add the dipped chicken pieces to the bag of seasoned flour.
  • Seal the bag and shake well to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly.
  • Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
  • Heat the oil in a deep, heavy skillet to 350 F. While it's heating up, set aside a large serving plate lined with paper towels.
  • Fry the chicken, a few pieces at a time, for about 10 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Be careful not to put too many chicken pieces in at once-even if they can comfortably fit-since this will dramatically drop the temperature of the oil, affecting the crispness of the final product. Note that chicken breasts will take a little less time than dark meat pieces.
  • With a slotted spoon, move the done chicken pieces onto the paper towel-lined platter to drain. Sprinkle immediately with salt.
  • Transfer the drained and seasoned chicken to the prepared pan with a rack. Keep warm in the preheated oven while frying subsequent batches. Depending on the size of your pan, this recipe will require about 3 to 4 batches.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1525 kcal, Carbohydrate 65 g, Cholesterol 527 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 123 g, SaturatedFat 20 g, Sodium 3575 mg, Sugar 5 g, Fat 82 g, ServingSize 4 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN



Southern fried chicken image

Great for feeding a crowd, simply kick back, enjoy and relax this fried chicken recipe with homemade slaw

Provided by Lulu Grimes

Categories     Dinner, Main course

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 skinless chicken thighs
8 skinless chicken drumsticks
200ml milk
200g self-raising flour
large pinch each paprika , turmeric and cayenne pepper
6-8 tbsp groundnut oil
mustard slaw and paprika wedges, to serve (see recipes below)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the chicken in a bowl and pour over the milk. Tip the flour and spices into a large plastic bag and add a large pinch of salt and a good grinding of pepper.
  • Heat half the oil in a large frying pan. Take half of the chicken out of the milk, shake off any excess and put in the bag of seasoned flour. Hold the top closed and shake well. Lift the pieces out and shake off any excess, but don't do this too hard or you'll end up with no coating. Lower the pieces into the oil and fry on each side until golden and crisp - don't overdo it as the chicken is being baked next and will brown further. Use tongs to turn the chicken and try not to tear the coating. Transfer to a rack set in a roasting tin. Repeat with the rest of the chicken.
  • Bake for 30 mins until cooked - check one drumstick and one thigh with a skewer - cook for longer if you need to.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 333 calories, Fat 13 grams fat, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 20 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 2 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 35 grams protein, Sodium 0.6 milligram of sodium

SOUTHERN-STYLE OVEN-FRIED CHICKEN



Southern-Style Oven-Fried Chicken image

I call this America's best-loved oven-fried chicken. The secret is in the breading, which makes the chicken super moist and flavorful, herby and golden brown. -Elaina Morgan, Rickman, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 50)
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
2 large eggs
1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°. Place a rack in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan; coat the rack with cooking spray., In a shallow bowl, mix the first seven ingredients. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk eggs. Dip chicken in eggs, then in cracker mixture, patting to help coating adhere. Place on prepared rack., Bake 20 minutes. Turn chicken; bake until chicken is golden brown and juices run clear, 15-25 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418 calories, Fat 22g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 123mg cholesterol, Sodium 638mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 31g protein.

TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN



Traditional Southern Fried Chicken image

IN MEMORY OF MY MOM. This chicken, taught to me by my Mom when I was about 12 years old, was the way everyone I knew did it in Mississippi and Georgia. I hope you like it. It has a crispy, huge thick coating with the southern "touch" (the magical ingredients being the vinegar and baking powder) and tender inside. Oh ! my ! never a chicken like this.

Provided by STARTERWIFE

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 whole cut up chicken
1/2 cup vinegar
2 cups self rising flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup oil (for frying)

Steps:

  • Marinate chicken in vinegar for a minimum of 1 hours -- overnight is better.
  • Mix flour, spices, and baking powder.
  • Heat oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Coat chicken in flour mixture.
  • Brown on both sides; cover.
  • Fry 15 minutes one side.
  • Fry 15 minutes other side.
  • Take off lid.
  • Fry 5 minutes extra to crisp.
  • Thanks for keeping the southern tradition alive.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 969.7, Fat 62.5, SaturatedFat 13.6, Cholesterol 172.5, Sodium 1628.5, Carbohydrate 48.4, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 0.5, Protein 49.3

Tips:

  • Use a heavy Dutch oven or cast iron skillet for frying the chicken. This will help maintain a consistent temperature and prevent the chicken from sticking.
  • Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. The ideal temperature for frying chicken is between 350°F and 375°F.
  • Don't crowd the chicken in the pan. This will prevent it from cooking evenly.
  • Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. This will help prevent the oil temperature from dropping too low.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Conclusion:

Southern fried chicken is a classic dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and coleslaw. This recipe is a great way to make traditional southern fried chicken at home. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

    #time-to-make     #course     #main-ingredient     #cuisine     #preparation     #north-american     #main-dish     #poultry     #american     #southern-united-states     #easy     #diabetic     #chicken     #dietary     #meat     #4-hours-or-less

Related Topics