Easy Southern Fried Chicken

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Easy Southern Fried Chicken. A staple in any good cooks recipe box, this recipe for the ultimate comfort food does not disappoint. Made easy by finishing in the oven, it doesn’t skimp on flavor and oh my, that Crust!

a plate full of crispy oven fried chicken

Not So Southern Fried

I know what you are thinking. You led me to believe this was Southern Fried Chicken Brooke! Well, we do fry it but we also insure that it gets done too by finishing it in the oven!

Fried chicken, in the South, is a staple. it can be found on dinner tables on Sunday. Fried up fresh and sold in any corner market. Brought in pretty blue flowered dishes to church lunches on Sundays. All hailing a secret family recipe. And always using the word, BEST. Much like CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS or HOMEMADE PEACH COBBLER, people are highly protective of their recipes.

That is because it is the best. This southern classic has been around as long as Methuselah and has brought joy to the woeful, sunshine to the grief stricken and delight to the hungry. Be sure to check out this recipe for INSTANT POT FRIED CHICKEN too, an even easier and just as delicious way to cook it and save time!

It is expected at many a social function and I have even heard tales of it being a resume requirement for potential spouses. So that we can insure that you have this most beloved main dish in your repertoire, we are sharing our Buttered Home Easy Southern Fried Chicken.

How to Make It

Our way is sure easy and you do not lose any flavor or texture by doing it this way. The biggest issue for people frying bone in chicken, is worrying if it is truly done.

Frying the skin brown and crispy takes the worry out but also reduces your clean up time. Finishing in the oven insures even cooking without sacrificing what you love about Fried Chicken in the first place, the crust!

~Ingredients

4-5 pounds bone in chicken – best for fried chicken!
3 cups buttermilk – the best vehicle for marinating tender, flavorful chicken.
2/3 – 1 cup shortening– the best for frying.
2 cups plain flour – for breading.
salt and pepper for flour ( just a tad) = only enough to add a bit of flavor
Fried chicken Seasoning – equal parts onion powder, garlic powder. salt, pepper, smoked paprika and parsley. – trust me on this. I keep this on hand at all times!

~Method

Cut up or remove already cut up chicken pieces from package. Rinse them well in cold water and pat dry. Place in a large sealable container and cover with 3 cups of buttermilk. Seal and allow to soak in buttermilk no less than 2 hours but no more than overnight.
After soak, remove and drain chicken from buttermilk and place on a platter. Sprinkle liberally with Fried Chicken Seasoning on both sides. In a large bowl mix flour with a tad of salt and pepper. Dredge chicken pieces in: flour, salt and pepper mixture, coating well.
Set aside. Heat shortening to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and do not let it get over that temperature. I like to fry in batches. I fry my wings and thighs together, breasts and then drumsticks. Allow to fry until golden brown, and flip. Usually at least 5 minutes per side. We are not cooking all the way through. We will finish them in the oven.
Preheat oven while frying to 375 degrees F. Place chicken on a rack in a sheet pan after frying to drain. Clean all excess grease in bottom of sheet pan before placing in oven. Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 to 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 180 degrees.

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draining chicken that soaked in buttermilk

flour and spice mixture to bread the chicken

Tips and Tricks

How can I make this healthier?

First, I would substitute the almond flour for the plain flour. I would sear the breaded chicken in olive oil just until slightly brown. Not as long as for regular. And increase the baking time to reach internal temp. To crisp the skin up, increase the temperature to broil to do that job too!

Can I just fry without finishing in the oven?

Yes, you would need to make sure you sustained the temperature of the oil and deep fry until the internal temperature is reached.

What goes best with Fried Chicken?

Take a look at any of our side dishes that can be found here at the Buttered Home. If people can make waffles work with chicken, there is no limit to what can be served with it!

Southern Fried Chicken

Some of the best things in life are free or really cheap. This is a great one that will cost you pennies to make and create memories that are priceless.

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