Williams' Southern-Style Fried Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy golden chicken with a spicy-savory crust, slow-cooked to perfection and served with classic Southern sides. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, buttermilk, hot sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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.

★ 3.8 (12 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 lbs chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then mix 2 tbsp buttermilk and 2 tbsp hot sauce in a bowl. Dip each chicken piece in the mixture, coating evenly, and let sit for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.
  3. Step 3: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere, then let rest for 5 minutes to set.
  4. Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (use a thermometer to monitor).
  5. Step 5: Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, turning once halfway through.
  6. Step 6: Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 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 Williams' 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 Williams' 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 Williams' 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 Williams' Southern-Style Fried Chicken?

Southern 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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