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Southern Fried Chicken

A beloved comfort food dish, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This Southern Fried Chicken recipe captures nostalgic flavors and is perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Seasoning
  • 1 small small chicken, cut into pieces Opt for a fresh, free-range chicken for the best flavor and texture.
  • 2 teaspoons salt Enhances overall flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons pepper Use freshly ground black pepper for subtle heat.
Coating
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour Creates a crispy coating.
Oil for Frying
  • 2 cups Crisco or peanut oil May need more for frying.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to achieve a crispy texture. Season generously with salt and pepper and rest for 15-20 minutes.
Setting the Scene
  1. Line a baking sheet with paper towels or brown paper bags. Preheat your oven to warm (about 170°F).
Prepare the Flour Mixture
  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour and shake off excess.
Heat the Oil
  1. Heat the Crisco or peanut oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until ready for frying.
Dredging
  1. Just before frying, give each piece another light dredge in the flour.
Frying
  1. Place the chicken skin side down in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Cover and turn every three minutes until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Finishing
  1. Remove the chicken and keep it warm in the preheated oven until ready to serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in buttermilk for several hours. Double dredging ensures a thicker coating. Monitor oil temperature closely for best results.