Description
This authentic Southern Fried Chicken recipe transforms simple ingredients into a golden, crispy delicacy. Tender on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, this dish is a staple of Southern comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken: 4-5 pounds (whole or selected pieces)
- Brine Mixture:
- 8 cups cold water
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- Coating Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1.5 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- Seasoning Blend:
- 2 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Frying:
- 4 cups peanut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the brine by mixing water, salt, and sugar.
- Submerge chicken pieces in brine for 8 hours, then drain and pat dry.
- Create the flour mixture by combining all dry coating ingredients.
- Whisk eggs and milk together for the batter.
- Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, then dip in egg mixture, then coat in flour again.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 15 minutes.
- Heat peanut oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350-375°F.
- Fry chicken for approximately 10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double-dredge by repeating the flour and egg steps.
- Letting the chicken rest before frying helps the coating adhere better.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (including brining)
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Southern Fried Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Buttermilk Chicken, Comfort Food