10 Secrets to Southern Fried Chicken

Unlock the secrets to the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken you’ve ever tasted! We’ll take you through 10 simple steps, from selecting the perfect chicken to mastering the frying technique that will make your chicken rival KFC. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic Southern comfort food done right.

Secret #1: Start with the best chicken

Choose a small, organic chicken and have your butcher cut it up for you, unless you know how to cut it up yourself. I have never been good at this, despite watching my mother, grandmother, and sister do it right in front of me. The smaller the chicken, the more tender and flavorful the meat will be.

Southern Fried Chicken

1 hour 5 minutes

Southern fried chicken made the old-fashioned way. Just sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper, dredge it in flour, and fry!

Secret #2: Brine for flavor – or don’t

Optional: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk or pickle juice overnight. This step will make the chicken extra juicy and tender, and help infuse it with flavor. I don’t usually soak my chicken because Granny didn’t do it that way, and it takes longer. But I have done it, and I do think it helps seal in the juices and keeps your chicken nice and moist.

Related 📖 ➡️ Buttermilk in Southern cooking

Secret #3: Air dry for crispness

Pat the chicken dry and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before frying. This will help the skin to crisp up nicely. And isn’t crispy skin the whole point of fried chicken?

Secret #4: Double Dip for a Thicker Crust

If you want a thicker crust, dip the chicken pieces in buttermilk or egg, then dredge them in flour. This double-dipping method creates a thick, crispy crust that stays put during frying.

You can also double-double dip, meaning do the process twice!

Secret #5: Spice it up

While traditional Southern fried chicken uses salt and pepper as the seasoning, you can add your favorite seasonings to the flour, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. The flour is your canvas for flavor, so get creative!

Secret #6: Dredge and rest

If you didn’t use buttermilk or egg, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture again to coat evenly. Then, let it rest for a few minutes before frying. This will help the crust to adhere to the chicken and prevent it from falling off during frying.

Secret #7: Heat the oil

Add oil with a high smoke point (peanut oil is a good choice) to a cast-iron skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F. The right oil and temperature are key to achieving that perfect golden brown crust. And the key to success here is having a reliable thermometer to gauge the oil’s temperature.

And yes, I know, neither your Grandma nor mine used a thermometer to check the oil. But they also made fried chicken multiple times a week. I might make it once or twice a year, and as with anything you do, it’s the consistency and the practice that give the best results. Or a meat thermometer.

Secret #8: Fry to perfection

Fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at a steady 350 degrees F. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (165 degrees F internal temperature). Here’s where you can use an instant-read thermometer, so you’re not slicing into that hot chicken to check it and letting all the good juices run out.

Secret #9: Drain and Serve

Drain the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, not a plate lined with paper towels. Serve hot, or let it cool to room temperature for a picnic or outdoor gathering.

Secret #10: Enjoy!

Your crispy, juicy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken is ready to be devoured! And, we’ve got you covered with what to serve with your fried chicken. If you want a traditional Southern meal, you’ll need some Southern Mashed Potatoes, Butter Beans or Green Beans, and of course, some Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits.

For dessert, choose the classic Southern Peach Cobbler or Banana Pudding, or get a little fancier and make a Southern Red Velvet Cake or Southern Caramel Cake. Your folks will think they’ve died and gone to Heaven.