Pat's Southern Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden, and packed with Southern charm, Pat’s Southern Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food experience! This recipe transforms simple, bone-in chicken into juicy perfection with a flavorful buttermilk and hot sauce marinade that keeps every bite tender. A well-balanced coating of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne adds mouthwatering depth, while frying to a golden crisp ensures the perfect crunch. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this Southern classic pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery cornbread, or tangy coleslaw. With straightforward instructions and reliable results, Pat's Southern Fried Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 lbs chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts, bone-in and skin-on)
• 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
• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

1. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour buttermilk over the chicken, add the hot sauce, and mix to ensure the chicken is coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2

2. In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture.

Step 3

3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to form a thick crust. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet or rack and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to set the coating.

Step 4

4. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 5

5. Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes on each side, depending on the size of the pieces, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6

6. Remove the cooked chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while it’s still hot.

Step 7

7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy Pat’s Southern Fried Chicken with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3665.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	13668.8

Total Fat 1239.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 221.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 1505.2mg	0%
Sodium 7238.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 308.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.7g	0%
Total Sugars 25.5g
Protein 381.5g	0%

Vitamin D 344.5IU	0%
Calcium 851.3mg	0%
Iron 35.6mg	0%
Potassium 4748.2mg	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: 80.2%

Protein: 11.0%

Carbs: 8.9%