Pecan Crusted Southern Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden, and packed with bold southern flavor, Pecan Crusted Southern Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. This recipe elevates traditional fried chicken by coating tender, buttermilk-marinated thighs and drumsticks in a nutty pecan and breadcrumb crust, seasoned perfectly with a blend of smoky paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne spice. Each piece is fried to crispy perfection, delivering an irresistible combination of juicy meat and crunchy texture in every bite. Perfect for dinner parties or hearty family meals, serve this Southern-style masterpiece alongside creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or fluffy biscuits for a meal that feels like home. Whether you're a fan of classic comfort food or crave something with a unique touch, this dish will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 units large eggs
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pecans
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl, then pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and set aside.

Step 3

Using a food processor, pulse the pecans until they are finely chopped but not powdery. Combine the chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large, shallow dish.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Dip each piece into the whisked eggs, then coat thoroughly with the pecan and breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken firmly to ensure it sticks well.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook each piece for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Keep cooked chicken warm in a low oven while frying additional batches.

Step 8

Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for a classic Southern meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2939.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10834.6

Total Fat 974.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 163.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 22.6g
Cholesterol 1433.7mg	0%
Sodium 8779.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 269.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.6g	0%
Total Sugars 36.4g
Protein 315.9g	0%

Vitamin D 417.8IU	0%
Calcium 937.6mg	0%
Iron 30.9mg	0%
Potassium 4294.0mg	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: 78.9%

Protein: 11.4%

Carbs: 9.7%