Southern Fried Chicken

Introduction:

Southern fried chicken is a classic dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and it is perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is easy to follow and produces perfect fried chicken every time.

Ingredients:

• 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and coat each piece in the flour mixture.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add 2-3 pieces of chicken to the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan.

Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

Serve the chicken immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips:

For extra crispy chicken, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture twice.

If you don't have time to brine the chicken, simply season it with salt and pepper and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before frying.

Use a kitchen thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw.

How to Spice Up Your Southern Fried Chicken

If you want to spice up your Southern fried chicken recipe, here are a few ideas to add some extra flavor and kick to your dish:

Marinade: Before coating your chicken, marinate it in a flavorful mixture. You can use a combination of buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a touch of salt and black pepper. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least a couple of hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Seasoning: Enhance the flavor of your flour coating by adding spices and herbs. Some popular options include paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika. Experiment with different ratios to find the right level of spiciness for your taste.

Hot Sauce: For an added kick, incorporate hot sauce into your flour mixture. You can mix a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the flour along with the other seasonings. This will infuse the chicken with an extra layer of heat.

Spicy Dredge: If you like your fried chicken extra spicy, you can create a separate spicy dredge by combining flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, chili powder, and other desired spices. Dip the marinated chicken in the spicy dredge after the buttermilk soak and before the regular flour coating.

Hot Pepper Infusion: Another way to spice up your chicken is to infuse it with hot peppers. You can add sliced jalapenos or other hot peppers to your buttermilk marinade or even blend some peppers into the marinade for a more intense flavor.

Spicy Glaze: Once your chicken is fried, you can add a spicy glaze for an extra burst of flavor. Prepare a mixture of hot sauce, butter, honey, or brown sugar, along with some cayenne pepper or chili powder. Brush the glaze onto the fried chicken while it's still hot.

Remember to adjust the spice levels according to your personal preferences. It's always a good idea to start with smaller amounts of spice and taste as you go along. Enjoy your flavorful and spicy Southern fried chicken!

Enjoy!