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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

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HOW TO MAKE THE BEST SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN!

Recipe by Coop Can Cook

A step‑by‑step guide to Coop Can Cook’s Southern‑style fried chicken: juicy drumsticks coated in a flavorful Cajun‑spiced buttermilk brine, dredged in a self‑rising flour and cornstarch batter, then fried to golden‑brown perfection at 350°F.

MediumSouthern United StatesServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
22m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
52m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$40.42
Total cost
$10.11
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensuring the oil reaches and maintains 350°F
  • Coating the chicken evenly with both spice‑buttermilk and flour mixture
  • Checking that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before removing from oil

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns—use long‑handled tongs and keep a lid nearby.
  • Never leave the fryer unattended while oil is at temperature.
  • Do not add wet chicken to hot oil; pat dry to prevent splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Southern Fried Chicken in American Southern cuisine?

A

Southern fried chicken originated in the American South during the 19th century, blending African cooking techniques of deep‑frying with European seasoning traditions. It became a staple at family gatherings, church picnics, and soul‑food restaurants, symbolizing comfort and hospitality.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Southern Fried Chicken in the Southern United States?

A

In the Deep South, buttermilk brining and a double‑dredge are common, while in the Carolinas hot‑pepper‑infused batters are popular. Texas often adds a spicy Cajun rub, and Kentucky is known for its “burgoo” style with added herbs.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Southern Fried Chicken traditionally served in the Southern United States?

A

It is typically served hot, on a plate or platter, alongside sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and sweet tea. The chicken is often presented whole, with the skin left on for maximum flavor and crunch.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Southern Fried Chicken traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

Southern fried chicken is a centerpiece at holiday meals such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as casual gatherings like backyard barbecues, church potlucks, and family reunions.

cultural
Q

What makes Southern Fried Chicken special or unique in American cuisine?

A

Its unique combination of a tangy buttermilk brine, a seasoned flour‑cornstarch coating, and high‑heat deep frying creates a juicy interior with an ultra‑crisp crust—an iconic texture that defines Southern comfort food.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Crispy Southern Fried Chicken from Coop Can Cook?

A

Common errors include not chilling the buttermilk marinate long enough, adding chicken to oil that isn’t at 350°F, overcrowding the fryer, and skipping the final shake to remove excess flour. Each mistake can lead to soggy or undercooked chicken.

technical
Q

Why does this Crispy Southern Fried Chicken recipe use self‑rising flour instead of plain all‑purpose flour?

A

Self‑rising flour contains baking powder, which creates tiny air pockets during frying, giving the crust a lighter, puffier texture and extra crispness that plain flour alone cannot achieve.

technical
Q

Can I make Crispy Southern Fried Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes—you can marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator, and after dredging you may freeze the coated pieces on a tray. Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating in a 350°F oven to retain crispness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Crispy Southern Fried Chicken?

A

The crust should be golden‑brown, slightly glossy, and crackle when tapped. Inside, the meat should be moist, tender, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F; the chicken will float to the surface when done.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Coop Can Cook specialize in?

A

Coop Can Cook focuses on approachable, home‑cooked comfort dishes with clear step‑by‑step instructions, often highlighting classic American and Southern recipes that can be made with everyday kitchen tools.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Coop Can Cook's approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Coop Can Cook emphasizes practical shortcuts—like using self‑rising flour for extra crispness—and realistic timing (e.g., a 4‑hour marinate) while still preserving authentic flavor, whereas many channels either over‑complicate or oversimplify Southern techniques.

channel

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