How to Perfectly Make Southern Fried Chicken

When it comes to Southern fried chicken, there are a few key steps to ensure that your chicken comes out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time. In this guide, we will walk you through the best methods to achieve the most authentic and delicious Southern fried chicken.

Ingredients and Preparation

To start, you will need the following ingredients:

Fresh chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, and drumsticks) Buttermilk (for soaking) Water and bicarbonate of soda (for the soaking solution) Oil (preferably peanut oil or a high-smoke point oil) Breading mixture (flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and spices)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Soaking the Chicken

One of the best ways to make sure your chicken is tender and juicy is to soak it in a solution. Soak the chicken in a mixture of one liter of water and two teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda for at least an hour before cooking. This trick will help to break down the tough proteins and make the meat more tender.

2. Marinating the Chicken

Another great technique is to marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk, salt, hot sauce, and a little lemon juice. This not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. You might even consider adding some herbs and spices for extra flavor.

3. Preparing the Breading

Prepare your breading with a mix of flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, white pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Ensure that the chicken is well-drained of excess marinade before dredging it in the flour mixture. This step is crucial as it ensures that the breading adheres properly to the chicken.

4. Frying the Chicken

Fry the chicken in very hot oil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure that the oil is hot enough to achieve a crispy exterior. Avoid crowding the pan; limit the number of chicken pieces to ensure that the oil stays at the right temperature, preventing the chicken from becoming soggy.

5. Finishing and Serving

Once cooked, pull the chicken out when it reaches 165°F (74°C), allowing for carryover cooking. Place the chicken on a wire rack to-drain and keep it crispy. Serve hot, and enjoy your perfectly Southern fried chicken.

Differences Between Pan-Fried and Deep-Fried

There are two main methods for Southern fried chicken: pan-fried and deep-fried. Both methods have their advantages, depending on your preference and the type of breading or batter you use.

6. Pan-Fried Chicken

For pan-fried chicken, the process is quite simple. Remove a small amount of oil (about an inch deep) from a cast iron skillet. Place the chicken pieces in the hot oil and flip halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are crispy. Pan-fried chicken is usually soaked or marinated in buttermilk and rolled in a breading mixture of flour, salt, and spices. Single-breading, using flour and spices without egg, is common.

7. Deep-Fried Chicken

Deep-fried chicken, on the other hand, requires completely immersing the chicken in hot oil. After soaking the chicken in buttermilk (if desired), double-bread it by dipping it in water, then in the flour mixture, knocking off excess, and then lowering it into the hot oil. Double-breading adds extra crunch and flavor to the chicken. Deep-fried chicken often requires a larger amount of oil and more frying time, especially for larger pieces of dark meat.

Conclusion

Perfecting Southern fried chicken is all about the technique and ingredients. By soaking the chicken, marinating it, using the right breading, and frying it at the correct temperature, you can achieve that perfectly crispy, juicy, and flavorful Southern fried chicken every time.