True Southern-Style Fried Chicken

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

Crispy, juicy fried chicken made with a buttermilk brine and seasoned flour coating, embodying classic Southern cooking tradition. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes pairs buttermilk, hot sauce, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, 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: 45 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 lbs chicken pieces with 2 cups buttermilk, 2 tbsp hot sauce, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tbsp black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (use thermometer to verify). Carefully add chicken in single layer (do not overcrowd), frying for 12-15 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to wire rack over baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does True Southern-Style Fried Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (45 min prep + 25 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 True Southern-Style 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 buttermilk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in True Southern-Style 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 True Southern-Style Fried Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 True Southern-Style Fried Chicken?

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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