Best Easy Country Fried Chicken Recipe

Buttermilk-marinated country fried chicken with a perfectly seasoned crust is a timeless Southern family tradition. Each piece delivers juicy, high protein goodness that's worth every crispy bite.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 370 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on) 2.5 lbs
  • Buttermilk 2 cups
  • All-purpose flour 2 cups
  • Eggs 2 pieces
  • Peanut oil (for frying) 3 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Kosher salt 2 tsp
  • Black pepper 1 tsp
  • Garlic powder 1 tsp
  • Paprika 1 tsp
  • Onion powder 0.5 tsp
  • Cayenne pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 22 g 24%
Protein 29 g 31%
Fat 15 g 45%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour over the buttermilk, ensuring all chicken is coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours for best flavor and tenderness.

  2. 2

    In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the flour.

  3. 3

    Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour, then dip in beaten egg, then again in seasoned flour for a double coating. Shake off excess flour.

  4. 4

    Heat peanut oil in a large cast iron skillet to 350°F (medium-high heat). Fry chicken in batches without crowding the pan. Adjust heat as needed to maintain temperature, turning pieces occasionally for even browning. Fry for 14-18 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

  5. 5

    Transfer chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for juiciest texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Buttermilk is the star ingredient for this country fried chicken. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and gives a subtle tang, helping the seasoned crust adhere beautifully and resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken.
Q. How do I know when my fried chicken is perfectly cooked?
Monitor oil temperature (keep it near 350°F) and fry chicken until it's golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the crust forms properly without burning and the chicken remains moist without undercooked spots.
Q. What prevents the crust from falling off after frying?
For an extra-crispy crust that stays put, double-dip each chicken piece: dredge in flour, then egg, then flour once more. Shaking off excess and letting coated chicken rest briefly before frying helps the seasoned crust hold tight through frying.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 370 kcal and 29g of protein, making this fried chicken a relatively high-protein main dish that's satisfying and flavorful.
Q. Which seasoning adds the most flavor to the crust?
Paprika and black pepper give the crust its signature Southern flavor and gentle heat, while garlic and onion powders add aromatic depth. Using all the seasonings as listed ensures authentic taste in every bite.
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