Golden, crunchy, and packed with Southern-style flavor, this Crispy Southern Fried Chicken is everything comfort food should be. Paired with a light and refreshing garden salad, it’s the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness for a family dinner everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (+ marinating time)
- Servings: 4
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 760 kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 48g
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken
- 8 chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Fresh Garden Salad
- 3 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- ¼ cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the juiciest results.
2. Prepare the Seasoned Coating
In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Mix well until evenly combined.
3. Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, crispy coating.
4. Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 175°C (350°F).
Carefully fry the chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
5. Prepare the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and red cabbage.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
Season lightly with salt and pepper, then toss gently.
6. Serve
Arrange the crispy fried chicken alongside the fresh garden salad.
Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crunchy.
Serving Tip
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or buttery dinner rolls for the ultimate Southern-style feast.
