Southern Fried Hen – Lauren’s Newest

March 9, 2025

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There’s nothing fairly just like the crispy, golden brown perfection of a real Southern Fried Hen recipe. Should you’re craving juicy meat wrapped in a crunchy, seasoned crust, you’re in the best place. That is the very best fried hen recipe for a motive—it’s filled with taste, has the right texture, and is made with easy substances you in all probability have already got in your kitchen.

Elements Wanted for Southern Fried Hen

Just some widespread pantry substances plus bone-in hen and a few buttermilk wanted for this scrumptious southern fried hen! Right here’s what you want:

Bone-in hen – Use a mixture of white and darkish meat and diverse items (breasts, thighs, legs, wings).
Buttermilk – The key to tender, juicy meat.
All-purpose flour – Creates the bottom for the crispy coating.
Pantry Staples– Salt & black pepper, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, vegetable oil (or peanut oil).

Variations

Use self-rising flour as a substitute of all-purpose flour for a lighter crust.
Add an egg wash between dredges for an additional crunchy crust.
Make it spicy by including loads of scorching pepper sauce to the buttermilk bathtub.
Use an air fryer for a unique cooking methodology.

Easy methods to Make Southern Fried Hen

For full recipe particulars, see the printable recipe card on the backside of this publish. Listed here are my step-by-step instructions for making fried hen:

1. Season the Hen

Season hen items with salt and black pepper to style.

A hand sprinkles seasoning on raw chicken pieces arranged on a wooden cutting board.

2. Marinate Hen in Buttermilk

Place the seasoned hen items in a big bowl or resealable zip-top bag. Pour within the buttermilk, making certain they’re absolutely submerged. Cowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.

Raw chicken pieces in a clear plastic bag on a stone surface, with a striped towel in the background.

3. Put together the Flour Combination

In a shallow dish, whisk collectively the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Flour being poured into a ceramic bowl resting on a wooden surface, with a striped cloth in the background.

4. Dredge the Hen

Take away a piece of hen from the buttermilk, permitting extra to drip off. Dredge it within the seasoned flour combination, urgent firmly to stick.

Raw chicken marinating in a clear plastic zip-lock bag on a white marble surface with a gray cloth underneath.

Dip hen piece again into the buttermilk, coating it once more. Dredge it a second time within the flour combination for an extra-crispy crust.

Tongs holding a flour-coated chicken piece over a bowl of batter, with more flour in the background.

5. Relaxation the Hen

Place on a wire rack and repeat with the remaining hen. Allow them to relaxation for about 10 minutes to permit the coating to set.

Person using tongs to handle flour-coated chicken pieces on a wire rack over a marble surface.

6. Warmth Oil

In a big deep forged iron skillet over medium-high warmth, warmth oil. Purpose for 350° F.

Pouring oil from a measuring cup into a black skillet on a stove.

7. Fry the Hen

Fry the hen (in batches if wanted), about 7-12 minutes per facet, till golden brown and the inner temperature reaches 165° F.

Hand holding tongs placing breaded chicken pieces into hot oil in a black cast iron skillet on a stove.

Professional Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—frying an excessive amount of hen without delay lowers the oil temperature.

8. Drain and Relaxation

Place on a wire rack over baking sheet with paper towel to empty extra oil. Let relaxation for a couple of minutes earlier than serving heat (and even chilly!).

A baking tray with ten pieces of golden-brown fried chicken placed on a wire rack. The tray rests on a folded gray cloth on a white marble surface.

Storage Instructions for Fried Hen

Enable leftovers to chill to room temperature. Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. Reheat in an oven to keep up crispiness.

What’s one of the best ways to reheat fried hen?
For the very best fried hen leftovers, reheat on a rimmed baking sheet in a 375° F oven till scorching and crispy. Reheating in an air fryer is one other nice strategy to hold your hen crispy. Keep away from microwaving, because it makes the crust soggy. 🙁

Are you able to freeze this fried hen?
Sure! Let the cooked hen cool utterly, then retailer in an hermetic container. Reheat in an oven at 375° F for finest outcomes.

Are you able to make this recipe forward of time?
Completely! Marinate the hen within the buttermilk bathtub in a single day for much more taste.

What to Serve with Southern Fried Hen

Pairing your Southern Fried Hen with the best facet dishes could make your meal a real Southern feast! Listed here are a couple of concepts:

Extra Hen Recipes to Strive!

There you will have it—the very best Southern Fried Hen recipe that’s crispy, juicy, and loaded with taste. Subsequent time you’re craving consolation meals, skip the quick meals and make it at residence. The printable recipe card is under! Have a fantastic day, associates! 🙂

Should you make this recipe, I might actually respect it for those who would give it a star ranking and depart your evaluate within the feedback! In case you have an image of your completed dish, publish it on Instagram utilizing the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.