The Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken Guide: Recipes, Time & Temperature for Crispy Perfection

Southern fried chicken is the epitome of comfort food—a crispy, golden-brown crust encasing juicy, flavorful meat. Whether served with biscuits, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes, fried chicken is a staple in Southern cuisine. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making perfect Southern fried chicken, including classic, spicy, buttermilk, and oven-fried variations.

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The Classic Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into 8-10 pieces) or 4 pounds of mixed chicken parts
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups vegetable oil (or peanut oil) for frying

Instructions:

1. Marinate: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and add flavor.
2. Prepare the Dredging Mix: In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and baking powder.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 cups of oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken: Fry in batches, skin-side down, for about 12-15 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Drain & Rest: Remove from oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Spicy Southern Fried Chicken

If you love a bit of heat, this recipe kicks things up a notch with extra seasoning and a spicy buttermilk marinade.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into 8-10 pieces)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Spicy Marinade: Mix buttermilk with hot sauce. Submerge chicken and marinate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Spicy Dredge: In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and dredge in flour mixture.
4. Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken: Fry in batches for 12-15 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Drain & Serve: Let the chicken drain on a wire rack for extra crispiness.

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Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken

Buttermilk adds tenderness and depth of flavor to fried chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
• 3 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Marinate: Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare Dredge: Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and baking powder.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in flour mixture.
4. Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken: Fry in batches for about 12-15 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Drain & Serve: Let chicken rest on a wire rack for maximum crispiness.

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Oven-Fried Southern Chicken (Healthier Alternative)

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Marinate: Soak chicken in buttermilk for 6-8 hours.
2. Prepare Coating: Mix panko breadcrumbs, flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge chicken pieces in breadcrumb mixture.
4. Preheat & Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake: Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C).
6. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Tips for the Perfect Southern Fried Chicken

1. Use a Thermometer: Always check that the oil is at 350°F (175°C) before frying.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
3. Let the Chicken Rest: Allowing it to rest on a wire rack prevents sogginess.
4. Double-Dredge for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier coating, dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour twice.

Now you’re ready to make the ultimate Southern fried chicken! Whether you prefer classic, spicy, buttermilk, or a healthier oven-baked version, these recipes ensure crispy, juicy perfection every time. Enjoy