Southern Style Fried Chicken Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a crispy, golden batch of Southern-style fried chicken to bring comfort to any meal. This classic recipe is perfect for a hearty side dish or a stand-alone indulgence. Crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, this Southern fried chicken will elevate your cooking repertoire. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll create a dish that evokes the charm of Southern cuisine.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken Wings (with skin) | 10 wings |
Buttermilk (or milk) | 1/2 cup |
Black Pepper Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
Paprika Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
Baking Powder | 1/2 tablespoon |
Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Red Chili Powder | 1 tablespoon |
Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
Dry Rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
Salt (for seasoning) | To taste |
Eggs (whole, beaten) | 2 eggs |
Sunflower Oil | For frying |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 450 kcal |
Protein | 28g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Fat | 22g |
Fiber | 2g |
Cholesterol | 100mg |
Preparation Time: 100 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 120 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Course: Side Dish
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prep the Chicken:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning and drying your chicken wings. Season them with a light sprinkle of salt and black pepper, mixing well to ensure an even coating. Let them rest for 10 minutes to allow the seasoning to soak in. -
Marinate the Chicken:
Take an extra-large freezer zip-lock bag and place all the chicken wings inside. Add the buttermilk (or milk) to the bag, ensuring the wings are completely coated. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor. -
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
While the wings marinate, combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This includes the all-purpose flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, red chili powder, black pepper powder, dry rosemary, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure an even mixture, and set it aside. -
Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a separate medium-sized bowl, beat the eggs with a little salt to taste. This will serve as your egg wash for dipping the chicken wings. -
Coat the Chicken Wings:
After the chicken has marinated, remove the wings from the bag and dry them thoroughly with paper towels. In a large bowl, add the additional flour and coat each wing, ensuring the skin is fully covered. Let the wings sit for 5 minutes to allow the flour to adhere. -
Dip in Egg Wash and Coat with Flour Mix:
Now, dip each flour-coated wing into the egg wash, making sure to cover the chicken entirely. Then, return the wings to the dry flour mixture and coat again, ensuring the wings are fully covered with the seasoned flour mix. Set them aside on a clean surface, ready to fry. -
Fry the Chicken:
Heat a generous amount of sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed wok or deep frying pan over medium-low heat. You’ll want enough oil to completely submerge the wings while frying. Once the oil is hot (test by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil – it should sizzle immediately), carefully add the wings, a few at a time. -
Cooking the Chicken:
Fry the wings in batches for about 8 minutes each, turning occasionally, until they are a light golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and affect the crispiness. -
Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the wings from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure the perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness. -
Serve:
Serve the Southern Style Fried Chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as a refreshing Tzatziki dip, or perhaps a tangy Apple and Ginger Cocktail to complement the flavors.
Tips for Perfect Southern Style Fried Chicken
- Marinate Overnight: For even better flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. The buttermilk helps tenderize the meat while adding richness to the flavor.
- Proper Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough to crisp up the coating without soaking the chicken. A good test is to drop a small amount of flour into the oil – if it sizzles and browns quickly, it’s ready for frying.
- Coating and Double Coating: A double coating of flour and egg wash ensures that the skin becomes crispy and golden, sealing in the juiciness of the meat.
- Don’t Rush the Frying: Patience is key when frying chicken. Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Rest After Frying: Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels for a few minutes before serving to remove excess oil and keep the coating crisp.
This Southern Style Fried Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone craving authentic, deep-fried goodness. The tender chicken inside, coupled with the flavorful, crispy crust, makes for a delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy with dipping sauces and refreshing beverages for the ultimate Southern meal experience!