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Country Fried Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 55 reviews

This country fried chicken recipe features a crispy, flavorful fried chicken coated in a seasoned batter and cooked to golden perfection. Paired often with creamy mashed potatoes and savory gravy, this classic Southern dish is perfect for a comforting family meal or dinner gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
  • 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken drumsticks
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a deep skillet about 2 inches deep)

Optional for Serving

  • Country or cream gravy
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to tenderize and add flavor.
  2. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to form a thick coating. Set aside on a wire rack.
  4. Heat the Oil: Fill a large deep skillet or frying pan with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature.
  5. Fry the Chicken: Working in batches, carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Drain the Chicken: Using tongs, transfer the fried chicken to a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  7. Serve: Serve the country fried chicken hot, optionally with homemade gravy, mashed potatoes, and garnish with fresh parsley for an authentic Southern meal.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight enhances tenderness and flavor.
  • Maintain oil temperature to ensure chicken cooks evenly without becoming greasy.
  • If you prefer a spicier crust, increase cayenne pepper in the flour mixture.
  • Use a wire rack for draining fried chicken to keep the crust crispy instead of placing it directly on paper towels.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness.

Keywords: Country fried chicken, Southern fried chicken, crispy fried chicken, buttermilk fried chicken, comfort food

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/country-fried-chicken-recipe/