health
How to make Southern fried chicken – recipe
Your guilty-pleasure, late-night snack, minus the guilt, in nine easy steps.

TL;DR
- Brine chicken in buttermilk with salt for 4-24 hours to tenderize and retain moisture.
- Prepare a seasoned coating using plain flour, cornflour, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and optional MSG.
- Coat chicken pieces thoroughly in the flour mixture and chill for at least 30 minutes to help the coating adhere.
- Heat neutral oil to 190°C (375°F) in a deep, heavy pan.
- Fry chicken in batches for 10 minutes, maintaining oil temperature around 150°C (300°F).
- Flip chicken, increase heat slightly, and fry uncovered until golden and cooked through.
- Drain and rest chicken for at least 10 minutes, ensuring oil is reheated between batches.