Big John's Southern Fried Chicken
Get ready to sink your teeth into Big John’s Southern Fried Chicken, a mouthwatering classic that redefines comfort food. This recipe delivers irresistibly crispy, golden-brown chicken, thanks to a seasoned flour and cornstarch dredge infused with bold spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic, and onion powders. Each piece is marinated in tangy buttermilk and a hint of hot sauce, ensuring tender, juicy meat in every bite. Perfectly fried to a deep crunch in hot oil, this Southern favorite is ideal for family dinners, backyard picnics, or game-day spreads. Pair it with creamy coleslaw, fluffy mashed potatoes, or warm cornbread for a true taste of the South. Whether you're a fried chicken aficionado or new to the game, Big John’s recipe offers step-by-step instructions for a foolproof, deeply satisfying meal.
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Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on, such as drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts)
- 2 cups Buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons Hot sauce
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 4 cups Vegetable oil or peanut oil (for frying)
Directions
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 2
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will be the seasoned dredging mixture.
Step 3
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to rest for about 10–15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better.
Step 4
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable or peanut oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature.
Step 5
Carefully lower a few chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed. Maintain the oil temperature by adjusting the heat as necessary.
Step 6
Fry each piece for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 7
Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. This ensures the coating remains crispy.
Step 8
Repeat with remaining chicken pieces, allowing the oil to return to 350°F (175°C) between batches.
Step 9
Serve Big John's Southern Fried Chicken hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2593.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 11552.6 |
| Total Fat 1090.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 176.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g | |
| Cholesterol 693.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5351.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 275.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 25.3g | |
| Protein 186.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 293.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 724.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 21.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2694.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories