Southern fried chicken is known for its crispy, flavorful coating. The best batter for Southern fried chicken typically includes a combination of flour and various seasonings to create a tasty and crunchy crust. Here’s a classic Southern fried chicken batter recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2-3 pounds of chicken pieces (such as drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and dried basil. This is your seasoned flour mixture.
- In another bowl, pour the buttermilk.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the buttermilk-coated chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to create a thick coating.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack or a baking sheet to allow the coating to set for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.
- Meanwhile, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should reach a temperature of around 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to fry the chicken in batches.
- Fry the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove the fried chicken pieces from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
- Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Southern fried chicken!
Remember to exercise caution when frying with hot oil and use appropriate safety measures. The key to great Southern fried chicken is the seasoning and allowing the coating to adhere well to the chicken before frying. You can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, making it spicier or milder as desired.
