Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk is preferred because its acidity helps tenderize the chicken. If you don't have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to each cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Why is my coating falling off during frying?

This usually happens when the oil isn't hot enough or when the chicken goes directly from the refrigerator to the flour coating. Make sure your oil is at the proper temperature, and let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before coating and frying.

Can I use a different oil for frying?

Absolutely! While peanut oil is traditional and has a high smoke point, you can substitute vegetable oil, canola oil, or shortening. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but all work well for frying.

How do I know when the chicken is done without a thermometer?

When pierced with a fork, the juices should run clear, not pink. For bone-in pieces, you can also check that the meat near the bone is no longer pink. However, a thermometer is the most reliable method to ensure chicken reaches the safe temperature of 165°F.

The Best Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

Name: The Best Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 8 h 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 8 h 24 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, cut up (or 8 pieces of your favorite cuts of chicken); 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 Tablespoons hot sauce; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cornstarch; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 teaspoons paprika; 2 teaspoons black pepper; Peanut oil (for frying); Flaked salt (optional, for serving)

This classic Southern Fried Chicken recipe delivers that perfect combination of juicy, tender meat and crispy, flavorful coating that makes fried chicken so irresistible. The secret lies in the buttermilk marinade and the perfect flour coating that creates that unmistakable crunch we all crave. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe promises to become your go-to whenever the craving for real Southern comfort food strikes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Crispy Exterior: The combination of flour and cornstarch creates that ideal crunchy coating that stays crisp even after it cools down a bit.
Incredibly Juicy Interior: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and ensures each bite is moist and flavorful.
Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the true essence of Southern cooking with its perfectly seasoned coating and traditional frying method.
Versatile: Works wonderfully with any chicken pieces you prefer – thighs, drumsticks, wings, or breasts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken: A whole chicken cut into pieces gives you variety, but feel free to use your favorite parts. Dark meat tends to stay juicier, while white meat offers a leaner option.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the meat during marination.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These provide a depth of savory flavor without overwhelming the chicken.
Buttermilk: The secret weapon for tenderizing chicken! The acidity breaks down proteins and results in incredibly juicy meat.
Hot Sauce: Adds a subtle kick without making the chicken spicy – it enhances the other flavors beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of our coating mixture, providing structure to the crispy exterior.
Cornstarch: The magic ingredient that ensures extra crispiness in the coating.
Paprika: Adds a lovely color and mild, sweet peppery flavor to the coating.
Black Pepper: Provides that classic peppery bite that good fried chicken needs.
Peanut Oil: Has a high smoke point perfect for frying and adds a subtle complementary flavor.
Flaked Salt: A finishing touch that amplifies the flavor right after frying.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Southern Fried Chicken

Double the hot sauce in the marinade and add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for chicken with a serious kick.

Herb-Infused Fried Chicken

Add 1 tablespoon each of dried thyme and dried oregano to the flour mixture for an aromatic twist.

Extra Crunchy Coating

After the first dredge in flour, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk mixture and then again into the flour for an extra-thick, extra-crunchy coating.

Gluten-Free Version

Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The cornstarch already helps with crispiness, so the transition works well.

How to Make The Best Southern Fried Chicken

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken pieces in a large bowl and season them with kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss everything together so the chicken is evenly coated with these seasonings. Pour in the buttermilk and hot sauce, stirring until well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight marination will give you the most tender, flavorful results.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, and black pepper until thoroughly combined. This well-seasoned mixture will become your chicken’s crispy exterior.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Fill a deep fryer or heavy cast iron skillet with peanut oil to a depth of about 1½ inches. Heat the oil to 325°F. Using a cooking thermometer is crucial here – proper oil temperature ensures the chicken cooks through without burning the exterior.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Thoroughly coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for a few minutes until the coating starts to look slightly pasty – this helps it stick to the chicken during frying.

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

Carefully lower a few pieces of chicken into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (which would lower the oil temperature). Fry the chicken, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Dark meat typically takes 12-14 minutes, while white meat needs about 8-10 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Step 6: Drain and Season

Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. While still hot, sprinkle with a bit of flaked salt for an extra flavor boost. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent oil temperature between 300-325°F. Too hot and the coating burns before the chicken cooks; too cool and the chicken absorbs too much oil.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the coated chicken sit for a few minutes before frying helps the coating adhere better during cooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: The surest way to know your chicken is perfectly cooked is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Batch Properly: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and give pieces enough space to cook evenly.
Keep Warm Technique: If cooking multiple batches, keep finished pieces warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness.

How to Serve

Classic Pairings

Serve your Southern fried chicken with traditional sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, collard greens, mac and cheese, or buttermilk biscuits for an authentic Southern meal.

Picnic Style

Cold fried chicken makes incredible picnic food. Pair with potato salad, coleslaw, and cornbread for a perfect outdoor feast.

Modern Twists

Try serving with honey drizzled on top, alongside waffles for a chicken and waffles brunch, or sliced on a fresh salad for a crispy protein addition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow chicken to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually develops nicely overnight, making cold fried chicken a delicious treat.

Freezing

While fresh is always best for fried chicken, you can freeze cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat chicken in a 375°F oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which will make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk is preferred because its acidity helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to each cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Why is my coating falling off during frying?

This usually happens when the oil isn’t hot enough or when the chicken goes directly from the refrigerator to the flour coating. Make sure your oil is at the proper temperature, and let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before coating and frying.
Can I use a different oil for frying?

Absolutely! While peanut oil is traditional and has a high smoke point, you can substitute vegetable oil, canola oil, or shortening. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but all work well for frying.
How do I know when the chicken is done without a thermometer?

When pierced with a fork, the juices should run clear, not pink. For bone-in pieces, you can also check that the meat near the bone is no longer pink. However, a thermometer is the most reliable method to ensure chicken reaches the safe temperature of 165°F.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Fried Chicken recipe captures everything that makes this dish a beloved classic – juicy, tender meat beneath a perfectly seasoned, crispy coating. The overnight buttermilk marinade might require a bit of planning, but that extra time delivers incredible results that are well worth the wait. Whether it’s for a Sunday dinner, a summer picnic, or just because you’re craving comfort food, this recipe delivers that authentic Southern flavor that everyone will love. Give it a try, and watch it become your family’s new favorite fried chicken recipe!