Our Best Southern Fried Chicken
Juicy, crispy Southern fried chicken with a seasoned coating, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions craving bold flavors and crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 3 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt in a large bowl; add the chicken pieces.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours.
- Drain the chicken; rinse with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper; sprinkle half of the mixture over the chicken pieces.
- Combine the remaining salt and pepper mixture with 1 cup of all-purpose flour in a large heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag.
- Place 2 pieces of chicken into the bag; seal and shake to coat.
- Remove the coated chicken; repeat the procedure with the remaining chicken pieces, 2 at a time.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in buttermilk instead of plain water. This not only enhances the taste but also tenderizes the meat. If you prefer a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed for dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southern fried chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread for a true Southern feast. It pairs beautifully with Horseradish-Ham Filling(Sandwich Spread) as a unique sandwich option or can be enjoyed alone as a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Our Best Southern Fried Chicken contains roughly 232 calories, with 11g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (459% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1817mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
While you can use skinless chicken, the skin provides extra flavor and helps retain moisture during frying. If you prefer skinless, be mindful of cooking time as it may require less time to cook through.
What oil is best for frying the chicken?
Peanut oil is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. However, canola or vegetable oil can also work well. Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken to achieve a crispy coating.
How can I make the coating extra crispy?
For an extra crispy coating, double dip the chicken. After the first coating of flour, let it rest for a few minutes, then dip it back into the flour mixture before frying. Another option is to add cornstarch to the flour for added crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).