Grandmas Secret the Crispiest Juiciest Southern Fried Chicken

Grandmas Secret Southern Fried Chicken Recipe Crispy Juicy

By Aidan RiversOctober 1, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some proper Southern Fried Chicken ? Remember your Nan's secret recipe? Well, this one's even better ! Honestly, this is the crispiest fried chicken you'll ever make.

Brief Overview

This is a classic Southern cooking staple. It's juicy, crispy, and full of flavour. This Fried Chicken Recipe Southern has roots in generations of Southern families.

It requires a bit of time, but is easy and worth it. It takes about 4 hours 50 minutes and feeds six hungry folks.

Main Benefits

This buttermilk fried chicken recipe offers that ultimate comfort food experience. It's perfect for family gatherings and Sunday chicken dinner recipes .

This recipe is truly special, and uses a unique blend of spices and a double dredge method.

Right, let's get cracking!

Ingredients for the Best Southern Fried Chicken

Listen up! Gather these ingredients and let's get started with this Perfect Fried Chicken recipe.

What You'll Need For The Brine/Marinade

This is how you get that flavour, so don't skip it! You'll need 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces. You'll also need buttermilk, salt, pepper, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

I swear using good quality hot sauce makes all the difference.

Dredge Ingredients: Getting That Crispy Coating

Here's where the magic happens! You'll need flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Honestly, cornstarch is key for extra crispy fried chicken .

Frying Oil Choice

You'll need plenty of frying oil , about 4-6 cups. Vegetable or peanut oil works best. My grandma always used peanut oil. It gives it that authentic Southern taste, you know?

Okay, let's talk ingredients for some proper Southern Fried Chicken Recipe . This isn't just any fried chicken. This is the perfect fried chicken , the kind that makes you wanna slap your mama (but don't!).

I've tweaked and toiled over this recipe for ages, trying to achieve that crispy fried chicken holy grail. This Homemade Fried Chicken recipe is best comfort food .

Gear Up: What You Need to Get Started

Right, before we dive in, let's check the kit. No need for fancy gadgets, just the basics.

Main Ingredients: The Chicken & The Magic

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need, measurements spot on:

Chicken: One 3-4 pound (1.4-1.8 kg) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces. Bone-in, skin-on is a MUST! It's how you get that juicy magic.
Buttermilk: 4 cups (950 ml) . Proper buttermilk, not that fake stuff. It's crucial for the buttermilk fried chicken recipe .
Salt: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) kosher salt.
Black Pepper: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) freshly ground.
Hot Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Frank's RedHot is my go-to, but use what you like.
Smoked Paprika: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Adds that lovely smokiness.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) .
Flour: 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour.
Cornstarch: 1/2 cup (60 g) .
Salt (Again): 2 tablespoons (30 ml) kosher salt.
Black Pepper (Again): 1 tablespoon (15 ml) freshly ground.
Smoked Paprika (Again): 2 tablespoons (30 ml) .
Garlic Powder (Again): 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
Onion Powder: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
Cayenne Pepper: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) (optional, for a kick!).
Frying Oil: 4-6 cups (950 ml - 1.4 litres) vegetable or peanut oil. Peanut gives a lovely flavour, just saying. Frying oil, key to golden Crispy Fried Chicken .

The chicken should look plump and not have any funky smells. The buttermilk should be nice and thick.

Seasoning: The Soul of Southern

Alright, let's chat spices. This is where the Southern Cooking magic happens.

Essential Combo: Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic. It's the baseline for deliciousness.
Flavor Boosters: Onion powder and cayenne for a little extra somethin' somethin'.
Substitutions: Don't have smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do in a pinch.

Equipment: Keep It Simple

No need for fancy chef gear, just the basics.

Bowls: A big one for the marinade, shallow ones for dredging.
Thermometer: A deep fry thermometer is essential for keeping that oil at 325° F ( 160° C) .
Dutch Oven: A large, heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven is perfect for even heat distribution.
Wire Rack: Keeps the chicken crispy.
Tongs: For safe handling of hot chicken.

Honestly, you probably have most of this already. A saucepan will do if you haven't got a Dutch Oven, and a plate will work instead of a wire rack!

Now, go get your ingredients and let's make some Fried Chicken Recipe Southern folks will be talking about for days. It's not just a Chicken Dinner Recipes , it's an event!

Cooking Method: Achieving Fried Chicken Nirvana

Right, so you wanna learn how to make some proper Southern Fried Chicken ? Honestly, it's not rocket science, but there are a few tricks to getting that perfect fried chicken texture and taste.

We're talking golden, crispy fried chicken on the outside and juicy, tender Southern cooking perfection on the inside. Forget shop bought!

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , darlings. That's fancy chef talk for "get your ingredients sorted." Get your chicken dinner recipes together! Have everything measured and ready to go.

We don't want to be scrambling around when the oil's hot. Marinate your chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight.

Here’s where my personal preference comes in: I like to lightly tenderize the chicken pieces before marinating; it seems to make them a little more succulent! Always double check your workspace is clean, and remember to wash your hands before, during, and after handling raw chicken.

step-by-step: Let's Get Frying!

Here's a super simple way to fry your chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 325° F ( 160° C) .
Dredge chicken in seasoned flour.
Dip again in buttermilk.
Dredge again in flour, for extra crispiness.
Carefully place chicken in hot oil.
Fry for 6- 8 minutes per side, until golden.
Check internal temp with thermometer. It should be 165° F ( 74° C) .

Visual cues for doneness are golden brown skin and juices running clear when you poke it with a fork. Just avoid getting burned.

Pro Tips: Secret Weapon Time!

The secret to truly outstanding Southern Fried Chicken Recipe lies in controlling your oil temperature. Keep an eye on your thermometer to make sure oil is at a stable temp.

Don't overcrowd the pan. It lowers the temp, and you'll end up with greasy chicken, not crispy fried chicken. Use a good quality frying oil like peanut or vegetable oil for neutral flavor and high smoke point.

One mistake people often make is flipping the chicken too much. Let it cook undisturbed on one side until it's nicely browned before flipping.

Another tip that helps with Homemade Fried Chicken : if the chicken browns too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. Best comfort food is worth the extra care, innit?

Right then, go forth and fry! I know you can nail this Southern Fried Chicken thing. Just remember those tips, keep a close eye on the oil, and don't be afraid to experiment with your own blend of spices.

Soon you'll be serving up the Best Southern Fried Chicken on your street, and everyone will wanna know your secret!

Recipe Notes for the Best Southern Fried Chicken

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs for nailing this Southern Fried Chicken Recipe . Honestly, making Perfect Fried Chicken at home is easier than you think.

It's all about the details, innit? You'll have a crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe in no time!

Serving It Up Proper!

Okay, so you've got this amazing Crispy Fried Chicken , right? Now, how do you make it look smashing?

Plating and presentation ideas: Think rustic charm. A wooden board with the chicken piled high looks incredible. Garnish with a sprig of parsley or some lemon wedges. Bit of paprika sprinkled on top is chefs kiss.
Complementary sides or beverages: This Southern Cooking demands proper sides. Coleslaw is a must. Mashed potatoes? Bang on. And don't forget some sweet tea or even a cheeky beer! Creamy mac and cheese is a Best Comfort Food choice, too!

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

Right, so you've made this amazing Fried Chicken Recipe Southern . Maybe you've got some left. Here's how to keep it tip-top:

Refrigeration guidelines: Let the chicken cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It's good for about 3-4 days.
Freezing options (if applicable): Honestly, Fried Chicken is best fresh. But if you must, freeze it. Wrap each piece individually in cling film, then put them in a freezer bag.
Reheating instructions: Oven's your best bet! Reheat at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 15- 20 minutes. Air fryer works too. Microwaving = soggy chicken. Avoid!

Mix It Up!

Fancy a bit of a change? No worries, here are some ideas:

Dietary adaptations: gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour. dairy-free? Try almond milk in your brine. Easy peasy!
Seasonal ingredient swaps: In summer, add some lemon zest to your Frying Oil . In winter, a pinch of warming spices like cinnamon to the flour.

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Okay, let's keep it real. Homemade Fried Chicken isn't exactly a health food. But here's the lowdown:

Simplified nutrition information: It's high in protein and fat. That's the truth of it, mate.
Key health benefits: Well, it's a treat! Enjoy in moderation, yeah?

Ultimately, this Chicken Dinner Recipes is about enjoying the process. Have a go, don't be afraid to make mistakes, and most importantly, have fun.

You've got this! Now, get Frying Oil and make some chicken!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to getting that super crispy skin on Southern Fried Chicken?

The crispiness comes down to a few key things! First, make sure your chicken is properly dried after marinating. Then, the double dredge in seasoned flour is absolutely crucial for that thick, crunchy coating.

Finally, maintaining a consistent oil temperature (around 325°F or 160°C) while frying is vital too low, and the chicken will be soggy; too high, and it'll burn before it's cooked through. Think of it like Goldilocks, you need just right.

Can I use different cuts of chicken for this Southern Fried Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs and drumsticks are traditional and offer the most flavor and juiciness, you can definitely use boneless, skinless breasts or tenders. Just keep in mind that they'll cook much faster, so reduce the frying time accordingly.

Breasts typically need around 5-7 minutes per side, while tenders might only need 3-4 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).

How long should I marinate the chicken? Is overnight really necessary?

Marinating is super important for flavour and tenderness! While a minimum of 4 hours is recommended, overnight (or even up to 24 hours) is ideal for the best results. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, infusing it with moisture and flavour.

If you're in a pinch, you can get away with 2 hours, but you'll notice a difference in the final product it's like comparing a cuppa left to brew for 3 minutes versus a builder's brew left for 10!

What's the best oil for frying chicken, and how do I know when it's hot enough?

Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil are all great choices for frying chicken due to their high smoke points and neutral flavor. The oil should be at 325°F (160°C) before you add the chicken. A deep fry thermometer is the most reliable way to check the temperature.

If you don't have one, you can carefully drop a small piece of the flour dredged chicken into the oil if it sizzles immediately and turns golden brown within a minute, the oil is ready. You're aiming for something like a perfect pint pull - looks good and does the job!

How do I store leftover Southern Fried Chicken Recipe and keep it crispy?

To store leftover fried chicken, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best chance of retaining some crispiness, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Microwaving will make it soggy - avoid at all costs! Frying it again can work too, but you can easily overcook it.

Can I make this Southern Fried Chicken Recipe healthier?

While Southern Fried Chicken is an indulgent treat, you can make some adjustments. Consider using skinless chicken pieces to reduce fat, although this will impact the crispiness. You could also explore air frying, although the texture will be different from traditional frying.

Play around with the ingredients to find what works for you.