Here’s a classic Southern-style crispy fried chicken recipe — golden, crunchy, juicy, and packed with flavor. Using a cast-iron skillet or deep fryer ensures that perfect crunch every time.

🍗 Crispy Fried Chicken

⭐ Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Chicken

3–4 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, wings)
2 cups buttermilk
1–2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper

Flour Coating

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
1–2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For Frying

Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or lard (enough for ½–1 inch deep)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken

Pat chicken pieces dry.
Mix buttermilk and hot sauce; add salt to taste.
Submerge chicken in buttermilk mixture and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

2. Prepare the coating

In a large bowl or bag, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, pressing to coat well.

3. Heat the oil

Fill a cast-iron skillet or deep pan with ½–1 inch oil.
Heat over medium-high until 325–350°F (160–175°C).
Test by sprinkling a pinch of flour — it should sizzle immediately.

4. Fry the chicken

Place chicken pieces in hot oil without overcrowding.
Fry 6–8 minutes per side for wings/thighs, 8–12 minutes per side for breasts or larger pieces.
Turn carefully once or twice.
Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

5. Rest and serve

Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with classic sides: mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or cornbread.

⭐ Tips & Variations

Extra crispy: Double-dip the chicken — flour, buttermilk, flour again.
Spicy Southern: Add ½ tsp cayenne or smoked paprika to flour mix.
Oven-finish option: Fry until golden (not fully cooked), then bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes for perfectly juicy interior.
Buttermilk alternative: Yogurt or milk with 1 tsp vinegar works in a pinch.
Seasoned oil: Fry garlic cloves or herbs in oil for a subtle extra flavor.

If you want, I can also give a pressure-fried Southern-style fried chicken recipe, which makes it extra juicy with an ultra-crispy crust in less time.

Do you want me to do that?

Crispy fried chicken