Sylvia's Southern Fried Chicken

Discover the true taste of the South with Sylvia's Southern Fried Chicken, a timeless recipe that promises golden, crunchy perfection with every bite. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and a splash of hot sauce, the chicken is infused with rich, zesty flavor before being coated in a perfectly seasoned mix of flour, cornstarch, and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne for a tantalizing kick. The secret to its signature crunch lies in resting the coated chicken before frying it to crisp, golden-brown perfection in hot oil. With a juicy interior and a crackling, flavorful crust, this fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food. Perfectly served hot with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes or tangy coleslaw, this dish will elevate any family gathering or weeknight dinner. From its overnight marinade to its crispy texture, Sylvia's Southern Fried Chicken is a true masterpiece of home cooking.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 pounds chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or wings)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Mix well.

Step 2

Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.

Step 4

Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off, but do not rinse.

Step 5

Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes to help the coating set.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

Step 8

Fry the chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 9

Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. This keeps the chicken crispy.

Step 10

Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces. Serve hot and enjoy Sylvia's Southern Fried Chicken with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or coleslaw.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3736.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	13028.0

Total Fat 1032.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 163.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 1595.9mg	0%
Sodium 6588.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 373.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.7g	0%
Total Sugars 25.5g
Protein 618.2g	0%

Vitamin D 489.6IU	0%
Calcium 868.0mg	0%
Iron 41.4mg	0%
Potassium 5979.6mg	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: 70.1%

Protein: 18.7%

Carbs: 11.3%