Southern-Style Crunchy Fried Chicken
This Southern-Style Crunchy Fried Chicken recipe is a revamped classic that takes inspiration from the iconic dishes known for their crispy exteriors and juicy interiors. With a perfect blend of spices and a unique double-dipping technique, this recipe yields chicken that is irresistibly crunchy on the outside while remaining tender and flavorful on the inside. By allowing the chicken to marinate and the batter to dry, achieve a superior adherence and an extra layer of crunch. Whether enjoyed at a cozy family dinner or served at a gathering with friends, you’ll find this recipe is a delicious homage to the beloved fried chicken tradition, enhanced with input from fellow cooking enthusiasts. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
900
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken, with skin, cut up
1 (Marinated overnight)
white pepper
1 teaspoon (Ground)
cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon (Ground)
salt
1 tablespoon (To taste)
Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon (To taste)
vegetable oil
6 cups (For frying)
all-purpose flour
2/3 cup (Sifted)
paprika
2 teaspoons (Ground)
eggs
3 (Beaten)
milk
1/2 cup (Added to egg mixture)
Instructions
1
Begin the day before or at least a few hours before frying. In an airtight container, mix together the chicken, cayenne pepper, Tabasco sauce, white pepper, and salt. Ensure all pieces are coated well and let marinate overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
2
In a large bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, paprika, and remaining salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a seasoned flour mixture.
3
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until uniformly blended. Slowly incorporate the milk while continuing to whisk until smooth.
4
Taking each marinated chicken piece, first dip it into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, before generously coating it with the seasoned flour mixture. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
5
Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the coating to adhere better during frying.
6
In a Dutch oven or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to a medium temperature (about 350°F). Carefully add the chicken pieces, skin side down, to the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring even cooking and browning.
7
Cook the chicken pieces for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown all over, turning occasionally to ensure an even fry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F.
8
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
65g
Fat
40g
Carbs
60g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern-Style Crunchy Fried Chicken?
It is a revamped classic recipe known for its crispy exterior and juicy interior, achieved through a unique double-dipping technique and spice blend.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator, or at least for a few hours before frying.
What ingredients are in the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of cayenne pepper, Tabasco sauce, white pepper, and salt.
What is the secret to making the chicken extra crunchy?
The secret is a combination of a double-dipping technique and letting the coated chicken rest so the batter dries and adheres better.
How do I prepare the seasoned flour?
In a large bowl, combine sifted all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
What goes into the liquid coating mixture?
The liquid mixture is made by whisking eggs and slowly incorporating milk until the mixture is smooth.
What is the correct order for dipping the chicken?
First dip the marinated chicken into the egg and milk mixture, then generously coat it with the seasoned flour mixture.
Why should I let the chicken rest for 20 to 30 minutes before frying?
Resting allows the coating to adhere better to the chicken, preventing it from falling off during the frying process.
What temperature should the vegetable oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated to a medium temperature of approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How should the chicken be placed in the oil?
Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil skin side down to ensure even cooking and browning.
How long does the chicken need to fry?
Fry the chicken for about 12 to 15 minutes until it is golden brown all over.
What is the safe internal temperature for the fried chicken?
The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with a meat thermometer.
Why should I fry the chicken in batches?
Frying in batches avoids overcrowding the Dutch oven or deep fryer, which ensures even cooking and prevents the oil temperature from dropping.
What should I do after removing the chicken from the oil?
Place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and let it cool slightly before serving.
How many calories are in this fried chicken recipe?
One serving of this recipe contains approximately 900 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
This dish contains 65 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this chicken provide?
Each serving provides 60 grams of protein.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one chicken with skin, cut into pieces.
How much vegetable oil is required?
You will need 6 cups of vegetable oil for frying.
How much flour is used in the coating?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
The recipe requires 3 beaten eggs.
How much milk is added to the egg mixture?
Add 1/2 cup of milk to the eggs for the liquid coating.
What spices are used in the flour mixture?
The flour is seasoned with paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Is Tabasco sauce used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of Tabasco sauce is used in the marinade for flavor and spice.
What amount of white pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground white pepper in the marinade.
What tools can I use to fry the chicken?
You can use either a Dutch oven or a deep fryer to cook the chicken.
Does the flour need to be sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2/3 cup of sifted all-purpose flour for the best results.
What are some recommended tags for this dish?
Recommended tags include southern food, comfort food, crispy chicken, and party food.
How much cayenne pepper is used in total?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper in the marinade plus an additional amount in the seasoned flour mixture.