Are you ready to transform your home cooking into a Southern culinary masterpiece? Our "Never Fail Fried Chicken" recipe is about to become your secret weapon in the kitchen, promising golden-brown, mouth-watering chicken that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this foolproof recipe will have your family and friends begging for seconds and wondering how you became such an incredible cook!
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken (legs or thighs)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Start by preparing the chicken pieces. You can use legs or thighs for this recipe. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Make sure each piece is well-seasoned, but be careful not to overdo it.
In a shallow dish, combine the buttermilk, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed in the buttermilk.
Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, making sure they are all fully coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and ensure a tender, juicy chicken.
In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well-mixed.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). You need enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces to the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
Fry the chicken for about 10 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the chicken.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve the fried chicken hot, with your favorite Southern sides. Enjoy your Never Fail Fried Chicken!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your oil is consistently at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and that perfect crispy exterior.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don't rush the buttermilk marination. The longer the chicken sits (up to 8 hours), the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
- Drain Properly: Let your fried chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain that delightful crispiness.
- Batch Cooking Matters: Never overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 140mg
