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  3. Classic Southern Fried Chicken
Two crispy fried chicken drumsticks on a plate, showcasing golden brown texture.

Crispy buttermilk-brined chicken with a golden crust

Classic Southern Fried Chicken

Classic Southern Fried Chicken

55 minMedium

Prep Time

30 min

Cook Time

25 min

Total Time

55 min

Servings

4

8 pieces

Difficulty

Medium

Cost

Moderate

$$

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Classic Southern Fried Chicken

Crispy buttermilk-brined chicken with a golden crust

Juicy, shatteringly crispy fried chicken soaked in seasoned buttermilk and coated in well-seasoned flour. The gold standard of Southern comfort food.

30m

Prep Time

25m

Cook Time

55m

Total Time

4

Servings

Medium

Difficulty

Moderate $$

Cost

Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

April 27, 2024(Updated April 12, 2026)

A buttermilk soak tenderizes the meat while the double-dredge technique builds an impossibly crunchy crust. Frying in cast iron gives you the most even golden color.

Why This Recipe Works

Buttermilk acid breaks down tough proteins for tender meat, and its sugars help the crust brown beautifully. A rest after dredging lets the coating set so it stays put during frying.

Ingredients

  • 8 pieces bone-in chicken (thighs and drumsticks)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp each garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak chicken in buttermilk with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge.

  2. 2

    Mix flour with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper in a large bowl.

  3. 3

    Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in seasoned flour, dip back in buttermilk, and dredge again for a double coat.

  4. 4

    Heat 1.5 inches of vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet to 325°F and fry chicken in batches for 12-14 minutes per side.

  5. 5

    Drain on a wire rack set over a sheet pan and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal

  • Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side

  • Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation

Substitutions

ButtermilkMilk with 1 tbsp vinegar per cup

Let it sit 5 minutes to curdle before using

All-purpose flourHalf flour and half cornstarch

Cornstarch creates an even crunchier coating

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Keep the oil at 325°F for bone-in chicken—too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks through.

  • Let dredged chicken rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before frying so the coating adheres better.

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Wrap pieces individually for freezing up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat on a wire rack in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (115mg) · 4 servings

Calories480
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein28g
Carbohydrates32g
Fat18g
Fiber740mg
Sugar1g
Sodium1g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but reduce frying time to 6-8 minutes per side for boneless pieces.
What oil is best?
Peanut oil has the best flavor, but vegetable or canola oil work well and are more affordable.

Explore More

More Main CourseStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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