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
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

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.

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes