Fried chicken is a staple of Southern comfort food, rooted in African‑American cooking traditions that blended West African frying techniques with European seasonings. Over time it became a symbol of hospitality and communal gatherings across the United States.

Variations include Nashville hot chicken (spicy cayenne coating), Korean‑style double‑fried chicken with a sticky glaze, and the classic Southern style that emphasizes a buttermilk brine and seasoned flour crust. Mr. Make It Happen’s recipe borrows the double‑coating technique popularized by Korean fried chicken.

It is typically served hot with sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, and sweet tea. The chicken may be accompanied by honey, hot sauce, or a simple gravy for dipping.

Fried chicken is a go‑to dish for family gatherings, picnics, holidays like Thanksgiving, and casual weekend meals. Its portable nature also makes it popular at potlucks and backyard barbecues.

The combination of a tangy buttermilk brine, a double‑coating of flour and cornstarch, and the secret addition of vodka creates an ultra‑light, crackly crust that stands out from standard Southern fried chicken.

Traditional ingredients include buttermilk, all‑purpose flour, salt, pepper, and oil with a high smoke point. Acceptable substitutes are yogurt for buttermilk, cornstarch for a lighter crust, and vodka for the secret crisp‑enhancing element.

Classic pairings are creamy coleslaw, buttery biscuits, honey‑glazed carrots, mac and cheese, and a simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Common errors include not drying the chicken after brining, frying at the wrong oil temperature, overcrowding the pot, and skipping the double‑coating step, all of which lead to soggy or unevenly cooked chicken.

Vodka’s alcohol evaporates instantly during frying, limiting gluten formation in the batter. This results in a lighter, crispier crust compared to a water‑based batter.

Yes. Brine the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, and keep the fried pieces in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10‑12 minutes to restore the crunch before serving.

The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen focuses on bold, crowd‑pleasing comfort food recipes with a twist, often featuring unconventional ingredients or shortcuts that make restaurant‑style dishes achievable at home.

Mr. Make It Happen emphasizes high‑impact flavor hacks—like the vodka‑infused batter—and concise, energetic tutorials that prioritize speed and visual appeal, setting it apart from more traditional, step‑by‑step cooking shows.