Paula Deen’s Fried Chicken Recipe for Crispy Southern Joy

Southern fried chicken ignites a flavor explosion that transforms humble poultry into a crunchy, irresistible delicacy.

Generations of culinary wizards have crafted this iconic dish with meticulous care and secret seasoning blends.

Crisp golden exteriors give way to succulent, tender meat that whispers stories of traditional southern kitchens.

Carefully selected spices dance together, creating a symphony of taste that makes mouths water instantly.

Each piece emerges from hot oil as a work of edible art, promising a sensory experience beyond ordinary meals.

Regional techniques passed down through family lines elevate this recipe from simple sustenance to cultural celebration.

The perfect balance of spices, coating, and frying technique ensures a mouthwatering masterpiece that beckons food lovers to roll up their sleeves and start cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 620 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients in Paula Deen’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

• Salt: Select fine, high-quality sea salt for balanced flavor.
• Black Pepper: Choose freshly ground pepper for robust taste.
• Garlic Powder: Look for pure, aromatic powder without additives.

• Eggs: Pick fresh, room-temperature eggs for smooth wash.
• Hot Sauce: Select tangy, spicy sauce that enhances chicken's flavor.
• Self-Rising Flour: Opt for fresh, sifted flour for crispy coating.

• Cooking Oil: Choose neutral oil with high smoke point for deep frying.
• Paula Deen's House Seasoning: Blend pre-mixed seasoning for consistent flavor profile.

Kitchen Tools for Paula’s Southern Fried Chicken

• Deep Pot: Essential for safely heating oil to the perfect frying temperature.
• Thermometer: Helps monitor oil temperature precisely at 350°F.
• Medium Bowl: Ideal for whisking eggs and hot sauce into a vibrant orange mixture.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs and hot sauce smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure house seasoning ingredients.
• Tongs: Great for safely handling and turning chicken in hot oil.
• Cooling Rack: Allows excess oil to drip off fried chicken, maintaining crispy texture.
• Paper Towels: Helpful for absorbing additional oil after frying.
• Self-Rising Flour Dish: Convenient for coating chicken pieces evenly.

How to Cook Southern Fried Chicken

Unleash Spicy Southern Fried Chicken Magic

• Prep the Sizzling Oil Cauldron

Heat a deep pot of oil to a fiery 350°F, filling it halfway to keep splashes at bay and ensure a safe culinary adventure.

• Craft Blazing Egg Coating

Whip eggs and hot sauce together until the mixture transforms into a vibrant orange potion that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Season and Spice the Chicken

Massage chicken pieces with Paula Deen’s signature seasoning blend, covering every nook and cranny to unlock maximum flavor potential.

• Dunk and Dredge

Dive each seasoned chicken piece into the spicy egg wash, then roll it through a blizzard of self-rising flour, gently shaking off excess for an irresistibly crispy exterior.

• Fry to Golden Glory

Gently lower the coated chicken into the sizzling oil, letting it transform into a gorgeous golden-brown masterpiece that’ll have everyone fighting for the first bite.

Tips to Make Fried Chicken Crispy and Juicy

• Masterful Coating Technique: Tap excess flour gently to create a light, delicate breading that ensures maximum crispiness without heavy clumping.
• Heat Monitoring Magic: Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature, preventing greasy chicken and guaranteeing perfectly crisp exterior.
• Seasoning Secret Weapon: Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun, ranch, or smoked paprika in the House Seasoning for unique flavor profiles that transform your chicken.
• Leftover Brilliance: Store cooled fried chicken in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crunchiness without losing moisture.

What to Serve with Paula Deen’s Fried Chicken

• Plate with Southern Sides: Complement the crispy fried chicken with classic southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or buttery corn on the cob.
• Heat Control Serving: Keep fried chicken warm and crispy by placing on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F) before serving to maintain optimal temperature and texture.
• Dipping Sauce Delight: Offer zesty dipping sauces like spicy ranch, honey mustard, or homemade buttermilk ranch to enhance the chicken's bold flavors and provide extra enjoyment.
• Fresh Garnish Pop: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top of the chicken to add a bright, fresh color and subtle herbaceous note that elevates the dish's visual appeal.

Storage Tips for Fried Chicken Leftovers

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Prepare Wisely: Cook multiple chicken pieces in one session and store extras for quick meals throughout the week. Separate portions into airtight containers for convenient grab-and-go options.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover fried chicken in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Reheating Technique: Restore crispy exterior by warming chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave, which can make coating soggy and compromise delicious crunch.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen fried chicken remains delicious for up to 4 months when properly sealed, offering convenient meal solutions for busy weeks.

Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s Southern Fried Chicken delivers crispy, golden-brown perfection with a buttermilk-marinated interior. Generations of Southern cooks have cherished this classic comfort dish that brings warmth and flavor you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup hot red pepper sauce
• Paula Deen’s House Seasoning

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Instructions

1. Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F, filling no more than halfway to prevent dangerous splattering.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk eggs and hot sauce in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a vibrant orange-hued liquid.
3. Seasoning Process: Massage Paula Deen’s House Seasoning comprehensively into chicken pieces, ensuring total flavor coverage.
4. Coating Technique: Dip seasoned chicken into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip, then generously coat with self-rising flour, gently shaking to remove loose powder.
5. Frying Method: Carefully lower flour-coated chicken into hot oil, maintaining consistent temperature to achieve a uniform golden-brown crust. Dark meat requires 13-14 minutes, white meat 8-10 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
6. Finishing Touch: Extract chicken using metal tongs and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil, preserving the crispy exterior and minimizing greasiness.

Notes

• Temperature Control: Monitor oil heat precisely at 350°F to prevent burning or undercooking, ensuring perfect golden-brown exterior and safe internal chicken temperature.
• Seasoning Technique: Massage spices deeply into chicken meat before marinating, allowing flavors to penetrate thoroughly and create maximum taste complexity.
• Coating Precision: Shake off excess flour gently after coating to achieve a light, crispy texture without heavy, clumpy breading that can become soggy.
• Oil Drainage Strategy: Use wire rack instead of paper towels for draining to maintain chicken’s crisp coating and prevent bottom becoming mushy from trapped oil.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg