Southern Fried Chicken is more than just a dish—it’s a comforting, flavorful tradition that brings people together. Known for its irresistibly crispy crust and juicy interior, this iconic Southern staple has been a beloved part of American cuisine for generations.
At the heart of great Southern fried chicken is the seasoning. The chicken is typically marinated in buttermilk, which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with subtle tangy flavor. Then, it’s dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, often spiced with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and black pepper. The chicken is fried until golden brown, creating a crust that’s perfectly crunchy and seasoned to perfection.
Southern fried chicken is usually cooked in a cast iron skillet with oil, which helps maintain an even temperature and adds to the crispiness. Each piece is fried slowly, allowing the coating to become deeply golden while locking in the chicken’s natural juices. The result? A satisfying crunch with every bite and tender meat that melts in your mouth.
Traditionally, this dish is served with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, collard greens, biscuits, or coleslaw. It’s a staple at picnics, Sunday dinners, and celebrations—any occasion where comfort food is called for.
The beauty of Southern fried chicken is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you enjoy it hot out of the skillet, cold the next day, or on a sandwich, it always delivers bold flavor and timeless appeal. For the best results, don’t rush the process—patience and love are the secret ingredients to getting that perfect crunch.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- oil for frying
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Dip each chicken leg into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken legs until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Transfer the fried chicken legs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
I’m not sure about the cayenne. Isn’t that too spicy? I prefer my chicken mild.
This fried chicken was da bomb! Super crunchy and flavorful! Will definitely make again.
This chicken is so good it should be illegal! I added extra salt and it was perfect. My kids loved it!
The cayenne pepper gave a nice kick! My husband couldn’t stop eating it. Perfect for our Sunday dinner! 👍
Oil and chicken? Sounds messy! But I gave it a try and it ended up great. Who knew?
I tried this but my chicken turned out too greasy. Maybe I used too much oil? Not sure if I’ll try this recipe again.
Yummy! 🍗
This chicken tastes like home! Bringing back good memories from when my mama cooked. ☺️
Aww, that sounds lovely! There’s nothing like a good home-cooked meal to bring back memories. 😊
I dunno, my mama’s chicken doesn’t taste like this. Maybe there’s something missing here? 🤨
This recipe is incredible! The chicken was crispy and the spice level was just right. Definitely making it again!
Good but i think its too greasy. I like less oil, more flavor.
This was a disaster!! Chicken was raw inside and filet knife couldn’t cut it!! Still gave 2 stars for trying, I guess. 😡
too much mess for just chicken legs lol. I prefer grilled. less oil, you know?
Chicken legs??? I thought it was wings. Kinda confused 😕.
Lol, wings are a whole different thing. Legs have more meat tho! 😆
I get the confusion! But trust me, chicken legs are just as good as wings! 🍗
Easy to make, but mine turned out kinda soggy… What did I do wrong? Any tips?
Sounds good, but isn’t real southern fried chicken made with buttermilk and fried in lard? Just asking!
This is the best fried chicken recipe I’ve ever tried! So crispy and delicious.
I don’t have buttermilk so I used regular milk. Did I mess it up? It didn’t taste like I thought it would.
Why do people like this fried chicken? It’s just chicken with flour. -_-
Just made this and my family loved it. The buttermilk really makes a difference!
So easy to make! I added some garlic powder too and it was delicious!
Why do you have to add garlic powder? The original recipe is perfect as it is!
Garlic powder? That’s an interesting twist! I might try that next time. Thanks for the tip!
Crispy! I upgraded the spices a bit and it turned out amazing. Thanks!
Wow, Southern fried chicken is just the best. I never tried cayenne before, gave it some nice heat! Yum!
Fried chicken? Yummy!
I’m not a great cook but followed the steps and it worked! Fried chicken is my fav food now!
I followed the recipe but my chicken came out greasier than expected. Not a fan.
This recipe is amazing! The chicken turns out so crispy and flavorful. My family loved it!
Cooking chicken is hard. My legs didn’t fry good. Maybe I did it wrong?
Cooking is hard for me too! I just throw things in a pan and hope for the best. Fried chicken is tricky but delish!
Don’t worry! It takes practice. The buttermilk and flour are key. Maybe your oil wasn’t hot enough?
Why do you even need paprika? I never put that on my chicken! It’s just fried chicken, not a painting! 🤷♂️
Paprika adds flavor! It’s not just for looks, trust me. Makes a big difference! 😋
I followed the recipe exactly but my chicken was burnt. 😩 Maybe my oil was too hot?
Never tried buttermilk before but this recipe made me do it. Will repeat!
Buttermilk is the best! You won’t regret it. This recipe is a game changer for fried chicken! 🍗
Did I read it right that you use buttermilk? I’m a little skeptical about that. Can I use regular milk?
Great recipe! Makes me feel at home! My grandma used to make this on Sundays. Miss her cooking! ❤️
I was expecting more seasoning. It was kind of bland for my taste. 😕