Southern Fried Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor

 Southern Fried Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor

There’s nothing quite like Southern Fried Chicken—golden brown, shatteringly crispy on the outside, and impossibly juicy on the inside. This iconic comfort food has won hearts for generations, and for good reason. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, Sunday supper, or craving soul-satisfying flavor, this fried chicken recipe delivers everything you want: crunch, spice, and deep Southern tradition in every bite.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic Southern Fried Chicken at home, just like grandma used to make—but with modern tips to ensure crispy perfection every single time.

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🛒 Ingredients & Their Roles

For the Seasoned Flour Coating:

2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of the coating, giving the chicken its iconic crispy crust.

2 teaspoons paprika – Adds rich color and a subtle smoky depth.

1 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses the coating with bold, savory flavor.

1 teaspoon onion powder – Balances the garlic with a sweet, aromatic taste.

1 teaspoon salt – Essential for seasoning the crust and enhancing every flavor.

1 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild heat and complexity.

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – Brings a fiery kick for spice lovers.

For Frying:

Vegetable oil or peanut oil – Choose an oil with a high smoke point. Peanut oil gives a traditional Southern flavor, while vegetable oil is a neutral, versatile option.

Chicken pieces – Bone-in, skin-on drumsticks, thighs, or breasts for the juiciest results.

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🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for a crispier finish—wet skin steams instead of fries.

2. Season the Flour

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). This custom blend gives the chicken its signature flavor and beautiful color.

3. Dredge the Chicken

Toss chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, pressing the coating firmly to ensure it sticks. For extra crispy layers, double dredge by dipping coated chicken briefly in buttermilk (or water) and flouring again.

4. Heat the Oil

Pour oil into a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven until it reaches about 3–4 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy or frying thermometer to maintain accurate temperature.

> 🧠 Pro Tip: Don’t let the oil get too hot—it'll burn the crust before the inside cooks. Too cool, and the chicken gets greasy.

5. Fry the Chicken

Carefully place chicken into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Place cooked chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain. This prevents sogginess that occurs when resting on paper towels alone.

6. Keep Warm (Optional)

If you're frying in batches, place cooked chicken in a 200°F (93°C) oven to stay warm and maintain crispiness until serving.

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💡 Why This Recipe Works

Well-seasoned flour guarantees flavor in every crunchy bite.

Double dredging creates a thicker, more textured crust.

Proper oil temperature ensures even cooking and a non-greasy finish.

Wire rack resting preserves crispiness longer than paper towels.

This recipe nails the balance of juicy meat and crispy coating, which is why it’s a favorite across generations and regions.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Complete your Southern feast with these classic sides:

Creamy mashed potatoes with pan gravy

Buttery cornbread or fluffy buttermilk biscuits

Tangy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch

Collard greens or fried okra for Southern authenticity

Sweet tea or iced lemonade to wash it all down

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📌 Pro Tips for Perfect Southern Fried Chicken

Marinate in buttermilk for a few hours or overnight for extra juiciness and tender meat.

Use a thermometer to track both oil and internal chicken temperature.

Avoid overhandling the chicken during frying; let it form its crust undisturbed.

Let the chicken rest before serving—5 minutes enhances juiciness and flavor.

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✅ Final Thoughts: Simple, Flavor-Packed, and Irresistible

This Southern Fried Chicken recipe is more than a dish—it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and texture. With a crispy, seasoned coating and juicy, flavorful meat, it’s guaranteed to impress at any table.

Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just craving a taste of home, this easy-to-follow recipe proves that homemade fried chicken can rival the best restaurants and outshine any takeout.

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Pin this recipe, bookmark it, and share it—because once you make it, you'll be hooked. Fried chicken this good deserves a permanent place in your rotation.

👉 Hungry for more 

Southern favorites? Check out our Biscuits & Gravy, Mac 'n' Cheese, and Peach Cobbler recipes for the ultimate comfort food lineup.