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Crispy Southern Fried Chicken With Garden Salad

A beloved Southern classic featuring succulent chicken with a crunchy crust served alongside a fresh garden salad. Perfectly balanced flavors and textures make this dish inviting and satisfying.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 8 pieces chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs) Opt for high-quality organic chicken for better flavor.
  • 2 cups buttermilk For a dairy-free version, substitute with almond or coconut milk.
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Can use gluten-free blend as an alternative.
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp additional black pepper
For the Garden Salad
  • 3 cups lettuce, chopped
  • 1 unit cucumber, sliced
  • 6 pieces cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 unit onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method
 

Marinating the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure flavor and tenderness.
Preparing the Coating
  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sift the flour mixture to ensure a smoother coating.
Coating the Chicken
  1. Remove each piece from the marinade and dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly.
  2. Ensure every inch is covered for a crispier texture once fried.
Frying the Chicken
  1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 12–15 minutes until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Preparing & Serving the Salad
  1. Toss together lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

Notes

Crispy Southern Fried Chicken can be served with mashed potatoes or cornbread for a true Southern experience. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.