Name: Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 3 eggs; ⅓ cup water; ¼ cup buffalo sauce; 1 whole chicken cut into parts or 8 pieces of your favorite parts; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 25 cracks black pepper, divided; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 2 cups self-rising flour; Peanut oil for frying (enough for deep frying, about 3 inches in depth)

Print Recipe·4 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving that perfect blend of crispy, juicy, and downright addictive chicken comfort food, this Southern Fried Chicken Recipe is here to steal your heart and your appetite. With a golden crunchy crust, a hint of buffalo sauce for a subtle tang, and tender meat inside, this recipe brings the best of Southern cooking right to your kitchen. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and will quickly become a go-to for family dinners, gatherings, or any day you need a taste of soulful satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with raw chicken drumsticks showing pale pink skin and white fat sits near the right bottom corner on a white marbled surface. Above it, two white eggs lie next to each other. A large clear bowl with light yellow oil is placed centrally above the drumsticks. To its left, there is a small white bowl filled with bright red sauce. A clean glass of water is to the left side near the top left corner. Below the glass, a medium white bowl is full of white flour with a soft texture. Small white bowls with different powders and spices in beige, salt white, and dark pepper gray are in between the eggs, oil, and flour arranged on the same white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Southern Fried Chicken Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from seasoning the chicken perfectly to creating that irresistible crispy coating and achieving beautiful golden color with the right frying oil.

3 eggs: Provide the perfect binding agent for the flour and seasoning to stick to the chicken.
⅓ cup water: Lightens the egg mixture to help coat the chicken evenly.
¼ cup buffalo sauce: Adds a subtle kick and tang that elevates traditional fried chicken flavor.
1 whole chicken cut into parts (or 8 pieces): Your choice of favorite cuts ensures delicious crispy skin and juicy interior.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken deeply and enhancing all other flavors.
25 cracks black pepper, divided: Adds just the right amount of spicy warmth throughout the dish.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory undertones with a smooth garlic aroma.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and depth to the seasoning.
2 cups self-rising flour: Creates the crispy, golden crust that makes this Southern Fried Chicken Recipe truly irresistible.
Peanut oil for frying: The secret to a perfectly crisp coating with a high smoke point and subtle flavor.

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Frying Setup

Start by heating your peanut oil to 350°F in a deep fryer, heavy-bottomed skillet, or Dutch oven. Make sure there’s around three inches of oil in the pan but don’t overfill—it’s crucial for safely frying and achieving that crisp texture without sogginess.

Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, and buffalo sauce until smooth. This blend will coat the chicken, adding flavor and helping the flour to cling perfectly for that iconic fried chicken crust.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken pieces dry and generously season all sides with kosher salt, half of the black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This step infuses every bite with flavor right from the start.

Step 4: Prepare the Flour Coating

In a separate bowl, combine the self-rising flour with the remaining black pepper. This seasoned flour will give you that irresistible crunch and a beautiful golden exterior once fried.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

One piece at a time, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then dredge it thoroughly in the flour, pressing gently but making sure it’s completely coated. Shake off any extra flour to avoid clumps.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into your hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. You’ll need to fry in batches. Dark meat pieces will take about 13 to 14 minutes, while white meat needs around 8 to 10 minutes. Turn pieces halfway through cooking to ensure an even golden-brown crisp. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the crust is perfectly crispy.

Step 7: Drain and Season

Once cooked, transfer the chicken onto a wire rack set over a sheet tray to drain any excess oil and maintain crispness. While still hot, sprinkle a little more kosher salt on top for that finishing touch of flavor.

How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with several raw chicken drumsticks sprinkled with a mix of black pepper, salt, and other spices. The drumsticks are pale pink with the yellowish skin showing through some parts, lightly coated with the seasoning. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is about to reach toward the bowl from the top left corner. The scene is bright and clear, showing the texture of the chicken skin and the grain of the spices clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a lovely presentation and added flavor, consider garnishing your fried chicken with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. A few lemon wedges on the side also brighten up each bite with a citrusy zest that pairs beautifully with the crispy crust.

Side Dishes

This Southern Fried Chicken Recipe shines alongside classic Southern sides such as creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or sweet cornbread. You could also add some sautéed green beans or fried okra to round out the meal elegantly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, pile the chicken high on a rustic wooden board with sides in small bowls around it. Alternatively, try serving it alongside homemade pickles and a few dipping sauces—like honey mustard or ranch—to give your guests a fun, interactive eating experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining much of its delicious flavor and texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your cooked Southern Fried Chicken Recipe in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method prevents pieces from sticking together and preserves your chicken for up to 2 months.

Reheating

The best way to reheat fried chicken is in the oven at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, which helps to restore crispiness without drying out the meat. Avoid microwaving to keep that perfect crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of oil instead of peanut oil?

Absolutely! While peanut oil is preferred for its high smoke point and flavor, vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil are reasonable substitutes that will still give you crispy, golden results.

Does the buffalo sauce make the chicken spicy?

The buffalo sauce adds a mild tangy kick rather than overwhelming heat. It’s perfect if you want just a hint of spice that complements the savory flavors without overpowering them.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest and most accurate way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F. Additionally, properly cooked chicken will have a golden crust and clear, no-pink juices.

Can I prepare the chicken a day in advance?

Yes! You can season and coat the chicken layers the day before and keep them refrigerated. Just bring them to room temperature before frying for the best cooking results.

Why use self-rising flour in this recipe?

Self-rising flour includes baking powder and salt, which helps create a lighter, crispier crust compared to plain flour. It’s a secret to achieving that iconic Southern fried texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Southern Fried Chicken Recipe and experience its crispy, juicy goodness firsthand. It’s one of those dishes that brings comfort, joy, and a touch of Southern hospitality to any table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.