Perfect Southern Fried Chicken

Southern fried chicken is a classic comfort food with a crispy, flavorful coating. Here’s a recipe for perfect Southern fried chicken:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 3-4 pounds chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated.
   • Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Coating:
   • In a large, shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Preheat your frying oil in a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (180°C).
   • Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
   • Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to adhere.
4. Fry the Chicken:
   • Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the preheated oil, a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding.
   • Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes for smaller pieces, and up to 20-25 minutes for larger pieces, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
   • Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve:
   • Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Serve the Southern fried chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy Southern fried chicken!