Extra Crispy Southern Fried Chicken
Introduction (short):
Extra Crispy Southern Fried Chicken is a comfort food classic, featuring a deeply seasoned, golden-brown crust and succulent, juicy meat. It’s ideal for family dinners, picnics, or any occasion that calls for indulgent fried goodness.
⸻
Ingredients:
Chicken:
4 lbs (2 kg) chicken pieces – a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts
For the Coating:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Marinade:
2 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons hot sauce
For Frying:
Vegetable oil (canola or peanut), enough for 2 inches in a skillet or deep fryer
⸻
Instructions:
Marinate:
Combine chicken pieces with buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Season the Flour:
In a separate shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and all dry spices until evenly mixed.
Dredge the Chicken:
Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
Coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing to form craggy bits.
Double Coating (Optional):
Dip the floured chicken briefly back into buttermilk, then dredge in flour again for extra thick crust.
Fry:
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Add chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
Fry 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and crust is deep golden.
Drain:
Place fried chicken on a wire rack to drain and cool slightly.
⸻
How to Make:
Maintain steady oil temperature to avoid greasy or burnt chicken.
Use a wire cooling rack instead of paper towels to keep the crust crisp.
For professional-looking “clumpy” crumbs, drizzle a few tablespoons of marinade into the flour and stir with a fork before dredging.
⸻
Variations:
Spicy Nashville Style: Brush fried chicken with hot oil, cayenne, brown sugar, and chili powder.
Honey Garlic Glaze: Toss cooked chicken with honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce for sweet-savory flavor.
Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of flour and cornstarch.
Herb-Crusted: Add dried oregano, thyme, and sage to the flour mixture for a fragrant crust.
⸻
Tips:
Remove chicken from fridge 30 minutes before frying for even cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
Salt immediately after frying while chicken is still wet to lock in flavor.
Use shredded buttermilk in flour to create extra-crispy clumps.
⸻
Conclusion (short):This Southern Fried Chicken offers a satisfying snap with every bite, followed by juicy, seasoned meat. A true comfort-food favorite, it shines alone or alongside classic sides.