Southern Fried Chicken

Name: Southern Fried Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: United States
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces; 2 cups buttermilk; 1 tbsp hot sauce; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Vegetable oil, for frying

6 servings30 min prep30 min cookMedium United States

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Southern Fried Chicken

Story updated September 17, 2026

Southern fried chicken blends West African deep-frying and seasoning traditions, brought to America by enslaved cooks, with Scottish techniques for frying chicken in fat. That fusion, developed in Southern and especially African American kitchens, became one of the region's defining dishes before being commercialized nationwide in the 20th century.

Ingredients

Scale:· 6 servings

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
2 cups buttermilk
1 tbsp hot sauce
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk and hot sauce, refrigerated, at least 4 hours or overnight.
2Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
3Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, pressing to adhere.
4Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet to 325°F.
5Fry chicken in batches 12-15 minutes per side, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6Drain on a wire rack and season with a final pinch of salt while hot.

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