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Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

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Classic Southern fried chicken featuring a buttermilk marinade and a perfectly seasoned, crispy flour coating, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup buttermilk

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Peanut or vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over it. Ensure all pieces are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix well.
  4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to coat. Shake off excess flour and set aside.
  5. Heat about 2 inches of peanut or vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry in batches if needed. Cook 12-15 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is golden brown.
  7. Remove chicken and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra spicy chicken, add an additional teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can be added to the buttermilk marinade for extra flavor.
  • To make gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the coating crispy.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) internally.

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