Country Fried Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Juicy, and Easy to Make

A Taste of Country Living

Nothing says comfort quite like the sound of hot oil sizzling in a skillet and the smell of fried chicken filling the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking after a long day outdoors or gathering with family on Sunday, this Country Fried Chicken Recipe delivers the flavor you’ll crave all week. Moreover, it’s simple, budget-friendly, and tastes like home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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• 6 bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying

In addition, make sure to have a wire rack or paper towels ready for draining the finished chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

To begin, pour the buttermilk and hot sauce into a large bowl. Next, add your chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours — or overnight for deeper flavor.

🪶 Country Tip: The buttermilk helps tenderize the meat, keeping it juicy when fried.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a separate bowl. I personally recommend checking out YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler. This blend creates the perfect southern crust — flavorful, golden, and crisp.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Then, roll each piece in the seasoned flour until it’s completely coated. Place the chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes. This simple pause allows the coating to stick better when frying.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Next, heat the vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Be sure there’s enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway for even cooking.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

When the oil is ready, carefully add the chicken pieces in small batches. Avoid crowding the pan — this keeps the oil temperature steady. Fry for 12–15 minutes, turning once, until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Finally, transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve Country Style

Once everything is perfectly crisp, it’s time to serve! Pair your fried chicken with mashed potatoes, biscuits, and sweet tea for a true country meal. Alternatively, enjoy it cold the next day — it’s just as tasty. For the perfect side, try my Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe.

Tips for the Best Country Fried Chicken

• Double-dip for extra crunch: buttermilk → flour → buttermilk → flour again.
• Use cast iron for even heating and authentic flavor.
• Rest before serving — five minutes helps the crust stay perfectly crispy.
• Try smoked paprika or herb salt for an easy flavor twist.

Furthermore, don’t rush the frying process. Taking your time results in tender meat and a flawless golden crust. Want more southern classics? Check out The MeatEater.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Every Country Kitchen

There’s something timeless about making fried chicken from scratch. It’s a

Related: How to cook outdoors: cast iron recipes

Related: How to cook outdoors: cast iron recipes

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