Southern-Style Fried Chicken with Hush Puppies

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Southern fried chicken with a perfectly crispy golden crust paired with sweet and savory hush puppies, making a comforting and satisfying meal. This southern american-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes layers buttermilk, hot sauce, all-purpose flour into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 700 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups buttermilk and 2 tbsp hot sauce; add 8 pieces chicken drumsticks and thighs, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to marinate.
  2. Step 2: In another large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup cornmeal, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder; mix well.
  3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, enough to fill about 3 inches.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere; fry in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F; drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare hush puppies by mixing 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 cup finely chopped onion in a bowl.
  6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk 3/4 cup milk and 1 large egg; stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
  7. Step 7: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of hush puppy batter into hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
  8. Step 8: Serve the fried chicken hot with fresh hush puppies on the side for a true Southern comfort meal.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Southern-Style Fried Chicken with Hush Puppies take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Southern-Style Fried Chicken with Hush Puppies?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Southern-Style Fried Chicken with Hush Puppies?

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 Southern-Style Fried Chicken with Hush Puppies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Southern-Style Fried Chicken with Hush Puppies?

Southern American 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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