Fried Chicken
Buttermilk-brined chicken in a crunchy seasoned crust. Β· United States
Buttermilk-brined chicken in a crunchy seasoned crust.
About Fried Chicken
Chicken is brined in buttermilk, dredged in seasoned flour and fried until the crust turns deeply golden and shatteringly crisp while the meat stays juicy. It is the cornerstone of Southern American cooking.
ποΈ History & Culture
Fried chicken's roots trace to a blend of African, Scottish, and West African cooking traditions, with enslaved Africans in the American South adapting Scottish frying techniques to their own seasonings and ingredients. Its origins are debated, but by the 19th century it was firmly established as a Southern staple, often associated with Sunday dinners, church gatherings, and family celebrations.
Regional variations abound: the buttermilk-brined, heavily seasoned crust of the Deep South contrasts with the thinner, crackling-style coating of the Upper South, while hot honey or Nashville-style "hot chicken" adds a spicy kick. Today it is a symbol of African American culinary heritage and a beloved American comfort food, celebrated from roadside shacks to fine dining tables.
π³ How to make Fried Chicken
AI-assisted, not kitchen-testedSouthern Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Tender chicken soaked in tangy buttermilk, dredged in seasoned flour, and fried until the crust is deeply golden and shatteringly crisp.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
Recipe ingredients
- 1.5 kg (3 lb 5 oz) bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts halved), mixed pieces, or all thighs
- 500 ml (2 cups) buttermilk, well-shaken
- 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp paprika, sweet or smoked
- 2 tsp kosher salt, or 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper, optional, for heat
- 1 L (4 cups) peanut or vegetable oil, for frying, or enough to submerge chicken halfway
Steps
- 1 In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika. Add the chicken pieces, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours (the longer, the more tender).
- 2 In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the flour, remaining 1 tsp salt, remaining 1/2 tsp black pepper, remaining 1Β½ tsp paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using).
- 3 Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let rest 15 minutes (this helps the coating stick).
- 4 In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat to 175Β°C (350Β°F). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor. Working in batches, add chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding. The oil temperature will dropβkeep it between 160Β°C and 175Β°C (325Β°β350Β°F) by adjusting the heat.
- 5 Fry for 12β15 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of each piece (avoiding bone); it must read 74Β°C (165Β°F). Transfer to a clean wire rack and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- 6 Repeat with remaining chicken, allowing oil to return to 175Β°C (350Β°F) between batches. Serve hot.
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Fried Chicken β frequently asked questions
What is Fried Chicken?
Chicken is brined in buttermilk, dredged in seasoned flour and fried until the crust turns deeply golden and shatteringly crisp while the meat stays juicy. It is the cornerstone of Southern American cooking.
What is Fried Chicken made of?
Fried Chicken is made with chicken, buttermilk, flour, paprika and black pepper.
Where does Fried Chicken come from?
Fried Chicken comes from United States, and is especially associated with Southern US. Fried chicken's roots trace to a blend of African, Scottish, and West African cooking traditions, with enslaved Africans in the American South adapting Scottish frying techniques to their own seasonings and ingredients.
Where can I eat Fried Chicken?
A Southern US diner, with biscuits and hot sauce.
How do you make Fried Chicken?
Making Fried Chicken at home takes about 30 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. The recipe on this page serves 4 and is rated medium. Full ingredient list and step-by-step method are in the recipe section above.
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