Go Back
+ servings
Grandmama's Southern Fried Chicken Recipe in a skillet
4.41 from 82 votes
Print Recipe Save

Traditional Southern Fried Chicken Recipe Tried and True

Tried and true recipe for classic Southern fried chicken that is pan fried crispy and golden brown.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces Fried Chicken
Calories: 320kcal
Author: Julia Jordan | Julia's Simply Southern

Ingredients

  • 2.5-3 lb Whole Chicken cut up into 8 pieces

Marinade

  • 2 c Buttermilk
  • 2 tsp Hot Sauce

Dry Dredge Mixture

  • 2.5 c All Purpose Flour
  • 1.5 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Poultry Seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Creole Seasoning or Cayenne Pepper

Wet Dredge Mixture

  • 1 Egg beaten
  • 1 c Buttermilk

Other

  • 2 c Peanut Oil for frying (or Vegetable Oil)

Instructions

  • Combine the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine two cups of buttermilk with 2 teaspoons of hot sauce; add the chicken pieces and make sure they're all coated well. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours to overnight.

Frying the Chicken

  • Add peanut oil to a cast iron skillet and heat over medium low.
  • Prepare the dry dredge mixture by combining the flour and seasonings together in a large bowl; set aside.
  • Prepare the wet dredge mixture by whisking together the egg with a cup of buttermilk in a large bowl; set aside.
  • Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and place on a paper towel lined sheet pan. Use a paper towel to gently dry the chicken pieces slightly.
  • Dredge each chicken pieces in the dry dredge mixture, then wet, then dry; shake off excess. Place dredged chicken pieces on a foil lined sheet pan. Repeat until all pieces are done.
  • Cooking in batches; begin by adding the chicken legs, thighs and wings to the hot oil making sure not to over crowd the skillet.
  • Use tongs to turn every 5 minutes, fry the chicken until crispy and golden brown (12-15 minutes).
  • Transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a paper towel lined sheet pan with a cooling rack placed on top to drain excess cooking oil.
  • Continue with frying the remaining breast pieces, turning as needed (15-18 minutes) until crispy and golden brown.
  • Transfer the breasts to the lined sheet pan when done.
  • Serve after chicken has cooled 10 minutes.

Notes

Save the neck and backbone from your chicken to freeze for making stock.
Use an instant read thermometer if needed to test for doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Cooking oil should be between 325-350°F for frying.
Allow chicken to cool slightly until warm before serving for best flavor.
Season the skin of the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper before dredging for added flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 124g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.5g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 311mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g