Crispy, Golden Southern Fried Chicken

There’s something magical about biting into a piece of perfectly crispy Southern fried chicken. It’s the kind of dish that brings you back to warm kitchens, family dinners, and the unmistakable sizzle of golden-brown chicken frying to perfection. This recipe is a celebration of that home-cooked comfort, combining a few simple ingredients with just the right blend of seasoning for flavor-packed, crispy chicken every time. If you’re looking to make an irresistible, soul-satisfying meal, you’ve come to the right place!

Why You’ll Love It

This Southern Fried Chicken isn’t just any fried chicken it’s a family favorite for a reason! Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:

Crunchy, Flavorful Crust: Thanks to a blend of garlic salt, paprika, and poultry seasoning, every bite is packed with bold, savory flavor.
Simple Ingredients: No need to hunt down hard-to-find items everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
Easy to Customize: Whether you like it extra crispy or with a touch of heat, this recipe adapts perfectly to your taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend picnic, fried chicken always hits the spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 eggs, beaten (helps the coating stick for ultimate crispiness)
1 cup milk (adds moisture and richness)
2 teaspoons paprika (for that smoky depth of flavor)
½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (for a touch of herb goodness)
4 teaspoons garlic salt (flavorful seasoning that also helps with texture)
2 teaspoons black pepper (for a little kick)
2 cups all-purpose flour (creates that signature crispy coating)

Optional Tips: If you like a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the egg mixture!

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken

1. Prep Your Chicken Coating
In a bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until smooth. In a separate large plastic bag, combine the flour, garlic salt, paprika, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. This flour mix is where the magic begins!

2. Coat the Chicken
Drop your chicken pieces into the seasoned flour bag, seal it up tight, and give it a good shake. (This part is especially fun if you’ve got little helpers in the kitchen!) Once the chicken is fully coated, dip each piece into the egg mixture, then back into the flour again for an extra-crispy coating.

3. Fry It Up
Heat about 1-2 inches of oil in a skillet to 365°F—don’t skip the preheating! Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides. This usually takes about 5 minutes of frying on each side to get that perfect golden color.

4. Let It Finish Cooking
Once the chicken is browned, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken cook through for another 25-30 minutes. If you’ve got larger pieces, a little longer may be needed. This slow finish makes sure the inside is tender and fully cooked without overbrowning the outside.

5. Drain and Serve
Once fully cooked, drain your chicken on a paper towel to remove any excess oil. Now it’s ready to serve hot and crispy!

A Few Personal Touches

One of my favorite memories of making fried chicken is shaking the flour bag with my kids, who always find it hilarious (and messy). I’ve found that adding a splash of hot sauce into the egg mixture can give the chicken an extra zing if you’re in the mood for something a little spicy. If you’re serving this for a crowd, offer a few dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, and hot sauce pair wonderfully with that crispy coating.

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