Nothing says comfort food like crispy, golden Southern fried chicken. This recipe, straight from my mom's kitchen, delivers perfectly seasoned, tender chicken drumsticks with a spicy kick and a crunchy exterior. Whether you're hosting a summer picnic, serving Sunday dinner, or looking for an irresistible main dish, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Pair it with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans, and you have a meal that hits all the right notes.
Why You'll Love This Fried Chicken Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: The combination of buttermilk, Tabasco, and cayenne pepper creates a balance of savory and spicy flavors.
- Crispy Perfection: The flour coating ensures a crunchy, golden crust while keeping the chicken moist and tender inside.
- Versatile: Use drumsticks, thighs, or even wings! Adjust cooking time as needed for smaller pieces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating flavor-packed, crispy fried chicken:
- 16 chicken drumsticks (or a mix of drumsticks and thighs) – Juicy, meaty pieces that hold up well to frying.
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk – Tenderizes the chicken while adding tangy flavor.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce – Adds a spicy kick that balances the richness.
- 2 teaspoons salt – Enhances all the flavors in the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons black pepper (divided) – Provides a peppery bite for added depth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Creates the perfect crispy coating.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper – Gives a subtle heat to the flour dredge.
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 3 cups) – Neutral oil with a high smoke point, ideal for frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the best Southern fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside:
1. Prep the Chicken and Marinade
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, Tabasco sauce, salt, and 1 tablespoon black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally up to 24 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor.
2. Prepare the Seasoned Flour
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, 1 tablespoon black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This mixture will create the crispy, golden coating for the chicken.
3. Dredge the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- Dredge each drumstick in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the coated chicken pieces on a rack or tray while heating the oil.
4. Heat the Oil
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pan, heat about 3 cups of vegetable oil to 365°F. Use a thermometer to maintain consistent heat, as this is key for even frying.
5. Fry the Chicken
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for approximately 10 minutes, turning once.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Drain and Keep Warm
- Once fried, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Place the drained chicken on a baking sheet, loosely cover with foil, and keep warm in a 200°F oven while frying the remaining batches.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve your perfectly crispy fried chicken hot and fresh with your favorite side dishes.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken
- Marinate Longer: For the juiciest chicken, marinate the pieces for at least 12-24 hours. The buttermilk works wonders on tenderizing the meat.
- Maintain the Oil Temperature: Too hot, and the coating burns; too low, and the chicken turns greasy. Keep the oil at 365°F for best results.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to ensure each piece cooks evenly and maintains its crispy coating.
- Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken sit on paper towels after frying ensures it stays crisp without getting soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Southern fried chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with classic sides:
- Creamy Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw balances the richness of fried chicken.
- Potato Salad: A cool, creamy side that complements the spicy flavors.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Soft, buttery biscuits are perfect for soaking up any extra juices.
- Baked Beans: Sweet, smoky baked beans add a comforting touch to your plate.
- Cornbread: A Southern classic that’s both hearty and delicious.
Why This Recipe Is a Family Favorite
This Southern fried chicken recipe stands out because it’s simple, flavorful, and irresistibly crispy. The buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken stays moist and tender, while the seasoned flour adds the perfect crunch. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, family dinner, or special gathering, this dish always steals the show.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate fried chicken recipe, look no further. With just a few key ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create chicken that’s golden, crispy, and packed with flavor. Don’t forget to pair it with classic Southern sides for a meal everyone will love. Make this recipe once, and it’ll become your go-to fried chicken for years to come!
Try it today and let this dish become a family favorite in your home.