Fried Chicken Recipe – Classic Southern Comfort Food

Classic Fried Chicken RecipeClassic Fried Chicken Recipe

There’s something timeless and magical about a perfectly cooked plate of fried chicken. If you're looking for a fried chicken recipe that’s steeped in tradition, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy, you’ve come to the right place.

Southern fried chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a soulful ritual. Whether it’s served at Sunday dinners, family reunions, or church potlucks, this dish has long brought people together around the table. The crispy skin, the juicy meat, the comforting aroma—every bite tells a story of heritage, love, and resilience.

If you're searching for a fried chicken recipe that embodies the heart of Southern soul food, you've come to the right place. This dish, rich in history and flavor, has been a staple in African American kitchens for generations. Our recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken with tender, juicy meat inside—just like Grandma used to make.

Why This Fried Chicken Recipe Stands Out

Unlike fast food versions, authentic Southern fried chicken is made with care, patience, and a few well-kept kitchen secrets. Our fried chicken recipe uses simple ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and step-by-step instructions that help you achieve golden, crunchy perfection—every time.

With a crisp coating and juicy center, this recipe brings generations of Southern cooks into your kitchen.

Ingredients for the Perfect Fried Chicken Recipe

To prepare this traditional dish, you'll need:

  • 2-1/2 to 3 pounds of broiler-fryer, cut into pieces, cleaned and dried
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • vegetable oil for frying

Recipe Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Season and Coat: In a brown paper or plastic bag, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Add one or two pieces of chicken at a time, shaking the bag to coat the chicken evenly. Repeat until all pieces are coated.
  3. Heat the Oil: In a black cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet, pour in about 1-1/2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over high heat until a drop of water added to the oil sizzles.
  4. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, skin side down, without overcrowding the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and cook uncovered, turning occasionally with tongs, until the chicken is browned on both sides and cooked through. This typically takes about 15 minutes per side.
  5. Drain and Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

This recipe provided courtesy of https://www.soulfoodandsoutherncooking.com/

Tips for the Best Fried Chicken

  • Use a Cast Iron Skillet: It holds and distributes heat evenly, producing that signature crispy crust.
  • Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Let the chicken rest after frying so the juices settle and the crust stays crisp.
  • Marinate First: For deeper flavor, marinate chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for 2–12 hours before coating and frying.
  • Flavor Layering: Season both the chicken and the flour for maximum taste in every bite.
  • Temperature Control is Key: Maintain consistent oil temperature throughout to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.

    • What to Serve with Fried Chicken

    This fried chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides:​

    • Collard Greens - Braised with smoked turkey or ham hocks
    • Candied Yams - Sweet and spiced, a perfect contrast to savory chicken
    • Black-eyed peas - Simmered with onion and seasoning
    • Potato Salad - Creamy, tangy, and cool—great against hot chicken
    • Cornbread - Moist, golden, and a little crumbly to soak up every bite

    Add sweet tea or a cold glass of lemonade and you’ve got a true Southern feast.

    Fried Chicken in Southern History and Culture

    Fried chicken is more than a dish—it’s part of the African American culinary legacy. It speaks to a time when resourcefulness and flavor had to go hand in hand. Passed down through oral tradition and kitchen rituals, it remains a symbol of Southern hospitality, Black excellence, and comfort.

    Whether served hot from the pan at family reunions or packed cold in picnic baskets, fried chicken has earned its place as a beloved soul food icon.

    Bringing It All TogetherEmbrace the Tradition

    Cooking this fried chicken recipe is more than preparing a meal—it’s preserving a rich cultural legacy. With each crunchy bite, you’re tasting tradition, heritage, and home.

    So grab your skillet, get that oil popping, and treat your loved ones to a meal that’s more than food—it’s a celebration.

    Looking for more soul food inspiration? Check out our [Southern Dinner Recipes collection] for more mouthwatering classics passed down from kitchen to kitchen.