HOW TO MAKE THE BEST SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN!
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN! is a medium Southern United States recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Coop Can Cook on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 57 min
Cost: $40.42 total, $10.11 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken Drumsticks (skin on, excess fat trimmed)
- 2 cups Buttermilk (cold, can substitute with milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Chef Paul’s Poultry Magic
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Celery Salt
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 2 cups Self‑Rising Flour (provides baking powder for extra crispness)
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch (adds crunch)
- 4 cups Canola Oil (for deep frying, high smoke point)
- to taste Salt
Instructions
Make the Spice Blend
Combine Cajun seasoning, poultry seasoning, Chef Paul’s Poultry Magic, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, celery salt, and paprika in a small bowl; stir until evenly mixed.
Time: PT5M
Season Chicken and Marinate
Sprinkle half of the spice blend over the chicken drumsticks, toss to coat thoroughly, then place the chicken in a large bowl and pour cold buttermilk over it, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the Dredge Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together self‑rising flour, cornstarch, and the remaining spice blend until smooth. Add a pinch of salt.
Time: PT5M
Dredge the Chicken
Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off (do not rinse). Transfer each piece to the flour mixture, shaking off excess and pressing gently so the coating adheres evenly.
Time: PT5M
Heat the Oil
Fill the deep fryer or pot with enough canola oil to submerge the pieces (about 4 cups). Heat to 350°F, using a thermometer to monitor.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Fry the Chicken
Carefully lower the coated drumsticks into the hot oil. Fry for about 15 minutes, or until the pieces float, the surface is golden‑brown, and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 350°F
Drain and Rest
Using tongs, lift the chicken onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet or onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Not vegetarian, Contains soy‑free oil, Gluten‑containing
Allergens: Dairy (buttermilk), Gluten (flour)
Last updated: April 7, 2026






