Easy Fried Chicken Recipe: Crispy Southern Style at Home

Introduction

There’s something magical about the smell of fried chicken sizzling in a hot skillet. This easy fried chicken recipe has been bringing families together for generations, especially in the American South. Making crispy fried chicken at home might seem difficult, but this guide will show you that anyone can create restaurant-quality southern style fried chicken right in their own kitchen.

What Makes Southern Fried Chicken Special?

Southern style fried chicken is more than just food—it’s a tradition that represents love, care, and celebration. In the South, fried chicken wasn’t an everyday meal. It was reserved for Sundays after church, special occasions, and family gatherings. The buttermilk soak makes the chicken incredibly tender, while the seasoned flour coating creates that signature golden, crispy crust everyone loves. This fried chicken with spices has been perfected over generations, with each family adding their own special touch.

Recipe Quick Stats

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Soaking:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk

For the Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying (about 2-3 cups)

How to Make Easy Fried Chicken Recipe

This classic fried chicken recipe creates that perfect fried chicken with crunchy coating that everyone craves!

Step 1: Soak the Chicken

Place your chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, making sure all pieces are covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better! The buttermilk makes the chicken tender and adds a subtle tangy flavor. This is the secret to homemade fried chicken with buttermilk that tastes amazing.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a large paper bag or bowl, mix together the flour, salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. This seasoned flour mixture is what creates that delicious fried chicken with spices flavor.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large, heavy skillet—cast iron works best! Heat the oil to 350°F. You can use a thermometer to check, or drop a tiny bit of flour in the oil. If it sizzles right away, the oil is ready. This temperature is crucial for crispy fried chicken at home.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk one at a time, letting the excess drip off. Place each piece in the flour mixture and shake or toss to coat thoroughly. Make sure every part is covered with the seasoned flour. Press the coating gently onto the chicken to help it stick.

Step 5: Let the Coating Set (Optional but Recommended)

For extra-crispy chicken, place the coated pieces on a wire rack and let them sit for 15-20 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better and creates an even crunchier crust!

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place a few pieces of chicken in the hot oil, skin side down. Don’t overcrowd the pan—the pieces shouldn’t touch each other. Fry for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Larger pieces like breasts and thighs may take a bit longer than smaller pieces like wings.

Step 7: Drain and Rest

Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces.

Pro Tips for the Best Fried Chicken Ever

1: For extra-crispy chicken, let the coated pieces sit on a rack for 15-20 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better to the chicken and creates a thicker, crunchier crust.

2: Don’t rush the buttermilk soak. Overnight soaking makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful. If you’re really in a hurry, at least give it 1 hour.

3: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and be greasy.

Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe and Wings

This easy fried chicken recipe works perfectly for fried chicken drumsticks recipe and fried chicken wings crispy versions too! Drumsticks and wings are actually easier for beginners because they’re smaller and cook faster. Drumsticks take about 10-12 minutes per side, while wings only need about 8-10 minutes per side. These smaller pieces are perfect for parties and gatherings!

Quick Fried Chicken Skillet Method

If you want a quick fried chicken skillet version, you can use chicken tenders or cut boneless chicken breasts into strips. These cook in just 5-6 minutes per side, making this a much faster option for busy weeknights while still delivering that crispy, delicious coating.

Oven Fried Chicken Recipe Alternative

Want to try an oven fried chicken recipe? After coating the chicken, place it on a greased baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it won’t be quite as crispy as traditional frying, it’s a healthier option that still tastes great!

Southern Fried Chicken Comfort Food

This southern fried chicken comfort food represents home, family, and tradition. In the South, fried chicken was often packed in baskets for Sunday picnics after church. Families would sit under shade trees, enjoying this special meal together. The chicken tastes delicious hot, but it’s also wonderful at room temperature, which is why it became such popular picnic food.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your crispy fried chicken at home with traditional Southern sides:

• Creamy mashed potatoes and gravy
• Coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Biscuits with honey butter
• Green beans or collard greens
• Macaroni and cheese

Storage and Leftover Advice

Store leftover fried chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Many people actually love cold fried chicken straight from the fridge—it’s a Southern tradition! If you want to reheat it, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes. This helps restore some of the crispness. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but buttermilk makes the chicken more tender and flavorful—add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk as a substitute.

2. How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

Use a thermometer to reach 350°F, or drop a pinch of flour in the oil—it should sizzle immediately.

3. Why is my coating falling off?

Let the coated chicken rest for 15-20 minutes before frying, and don’t move the chicken too much while it’s cooking.

4. Can I fry chicken without a thermometer?

Yes, use the flour test—if a pinch sizzles immediately, it’s ready. Adjust heat to maintain steady bubbling around the chicken.

5. How do I keep the first batch warm while cooking the rest?

Place finished chicken in a 200°F oven on a wire rack to stay warm and crispy.

A Note from Author

This easy fried chicken recipe represents one of the most beloved traditions in American cooking. Sunday fried chicken wasn’t just about food—it was about family, faith, and community. After church services, families would gather around tables laden with this golden, crispy chicken, sharing stories and strengthening bonds.

The time and care required to make proper fried chicken—the overnight soaking, the careful seasoning, the patient frying—was an act of love. Grandmothers and mothers knew that good fried chicken couldn’t be rushed. At NostalgicEats.com, we preserve these recipes because they remind us that the best meals are worth the effort and that food made with love tastes better than anything else.

Conclusion

This crispy fried chicken at home recipe brings authentic southern style fried chicken to your kitchen. This homemade fried chicken with buttermilk creates the best fried chicken ever with its perfectly seasoned, fried chicken with crunchy coating. Whether you make the classic fried chicken recipe as written, try the quick fried chicken skillet method, or experiment with the oven fried chicken recipe, you’ll create delicious fried chicken for beginners and experts alike. This fried chicken with spices delivers true southern fried chicken comfort food, perfect for fried chicken drumsticks recipe or fried chicken wings crispy versions.

Ready to make Sunday special? Try this easy fried chicken recipe and bring the tradition of southern comfort cooking to your family table! Visit NostalgicEats.com for more classic recipes!