✔ In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
✔ Add chicken pieces, making sure they’re fully coated.
✔ Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for juicier chicken!).
✅ Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and enhances flavor!
2️⃣ Prepare the Crispy Coating
✔ In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and baking powder.
✅ Cornstarch makes the coating extra crispy, while baking powder adds lightness!
3️⃣ Coat the Chicken
✔ Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
✔ Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat well.
✔ Let coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying (this helps the coating stick!).
✅ Double-coat for extra crunch—dip back in buttermilk, then dredge in flour again!
4️⃣ Fry to Perfection
✔ Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or Dutch oven.
✔ Fry chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd) for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
✔ Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
✅ For extra crispiness, fry a second time for 2 minutes!
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
✔ Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
✔ Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits!
✅ Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—Southern fried perfection!
🔥 Variations & Customization
🔹 Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken – Toss fried chicken in spicy butter sauce. 🌶️
🔹 Garlic Herb Chicken – Add fresh herbs like rosemary & thyme to the oil. 🌿
🔹 Honey Butter Fried Chicken – Drizzle with warm honey butter for a sweet-savory twist. 🍯
🔹 Oven-Fried Version – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes, flipping halfway.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
✔ Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days (covered).
✔ Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to keep it crispy.
✔ Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw before reheating.
✅ Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crispy!
🏆 Final Thoughts: The Best Southern Fried Chicken Ever!
This Southern-Style Crispy Fried Chicken is golden, flavorful, and insanely delicious—a true comfort food classic that’s guaranteed to impress! Whether for Sunday dinner, game day, or a family feast, this juicy, crunchy, and well-seasoned chicken is a must-try!
💡 Will you try this recipe? Let me know your favorite way to enjoy fried chicken! 🍗🔥
