Best Southern Fried Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy golden chicken thighs and drumsticks, marinated in buttermilk and spices for a juicy, flavorful bite. This southern us-inspired chicken ready in about 100 minutes pairs (1.8kg) chicken thighs, (480ml) buttermilk, (120ml) buttermilk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 60 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 Southern US cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups buttermilk, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne, and 1 tbsp salt. Submerge chicken pieces and marinate for 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup buttermilk. Dip marinated chicken into the mixture, ensuring full coverage.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with lemon wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Southern Fried Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (60 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Southern Fried Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (1.8kg) chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Southern Fried Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Southern Fried Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Southern Fried Chicken?

Southern US chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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