Mama's Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly juicy, Mama's Fried Chicken is a timeless comfort food classic that’s sure to impress. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and a kick of hot sauce overnight, each piece of chicken is infused with flavor and kept tender throughout. The magic lies in the perfectly seasoned coating of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, which creates that iconic crunch when deep-fried to perfection. Whether it's drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts, every bite delivers a satisfying blend of spice and savory goodness. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this Southern-style fried chicken pairs beautifully with traditional sides like buttery biscuits, creamy coleslaw, or fluffy mashed potatoes. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you'll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 lbs Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts)
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 2 tbsp Hot sauce
• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 2 large Eggs
• 4 cups Vegetable oil or peanut oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight.

Step 2

In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, then dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.

Step 5

Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

Step 6

Working in batches, carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. If necessary, keep the cooked chicken warm in a 200°F oven while frying the remaining pieces.

Step 8

Serve hot and enjoy Mama's Fried Chicken with your favorite sides, like coleslaw, biscuits, or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3766.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	13163.2

Total Fat 1042.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 163.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 1967.9mg	0%
Sodium 7452.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 309.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.7g	0%
Total Sugars 25.9g
Protein 629.9g	0%

Vitamin D 571.6IU	0%
Calcium 907.3mg	0%
Iron 42.8mg	0%
Potassium 6083.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 71.4%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 9.4%