How long to fry Southern fried chicken?

Fry each piece for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and the inside reaches 165°F.

What is special about Southern fried chicken?

It has a flavorful crust with a juicy center, made possible by seasoned flour, buttermilk marinade, and careful frying.

How long does Southern fried chicken last in the fridge?

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep it crispy.

Why is Southern fried chicken called that?

It comes from cooking traditions in the American South, blending African American culinary roots with local ingredients.

7 Easy Steps to Southern Fried Chicken

Name: Southern Fried Chicken – Crispy, Juicy & Full of Flavor
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Peanut, vegetable, or canola oil for frying; Optional: cornstarch or breadcrumbs for extra crunch; Salt to taste

Description

Golden crispy crust with tender, juicy chicken inside, seasoned with classic Southern spices and cooked to perfection for a true comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup buttermilk

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried oregano

Peanut, vegetable, or canola oil for frying

Optional: cornstarch or breadcrumbs for extra crunch

Salt to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare an optional brine with water, salt, and sugar; soak chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

2. Marinate chicken in buttermilk with paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional herbs for 2 to 24 hours.

3. Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and optional cornstarch for coating.

4. Remove chicken from marinade and dredge in flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.

5. Let coated chicken rest for several minutes before frying.

6. Heat oil to 350–375°F in a deep pan or Dutch oven.

7. Fry chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

8. Place cooked chicken on a wire rack to drain and keep crisp.

9. Serve hot with your favorite Southern sides.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, use the double fry method by cooking at a lower temperature first and then briefly frying at a higher temperature.

Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.

Rest chicken after frying to allow juices to settle and crust to firm.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Chicken Recipes
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 320
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 85mg