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Crispy Southern fried chicken with fries served on a plate

Crispy Southern Fried Chicken & French Fries

A beloved classic from Southern cuisine featuring savory flavors, crispy chicken, and fluffy fries, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 800
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 8 pieces chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts) Choose high-quality organic or free-range chicken for the best flavor.
  • 2 cups buttermilk Consider making buttermilk from scratch using milk and vinegar for enhanced tanginess.
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
For the Coating
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Optional, for added heat.
For the Fries
  • 4 large potatoes, cut into thin fries Use fresh whole potatoes for crispier texture.
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Ketchup for serving
  • Mayonnaise for serving

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add your chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare the Crispy Coating
  1. In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper together. Ensure the flour mixture is uniformly blended.
Coat & Fry the Chicken
  1. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Carefully place the chicken in hot oil, frying for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches.
Cook the Fries
  1. While the chicken is frying, fry your potatoes until golden and crispy, or bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle with salt right after cooking.
Serve & Enjoy
  1. On a large platter, arrange the fried chicken and crispy fries. Serve alongside small bowls of ketchup and mayonnaise for dipping.

Notes

For best results, marinate chicken, use high-quality ingredients, and double-dip the chicken for extra crunch. This dish can be served with sides like coleslaw and sweet tea.