How to Pan Fry Southern Chicken

Southern Fried Chicken, a comfort food classic, is a staple in many cooks' repertoires. This dish is crispy and delicious and brings back memories from childhood visits to grandma's house. Follow the instructions provided and learn to make Southern Fried Chicken.

Things You'll Need

• 1 whole fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups flour
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. pepper
• ¼ tsp. garlic salt
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
• 2 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Purchase a whole chicken cut into 8 pieces. Rinse the pieces in running water and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Soak chicken pieces in 2 cups of buttermilk for several hours, or overnight if desired.

3. Dredge the meat in flour seasoned with ½ tsp. each of salt, pepper, garlic salt and cayenne pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the flour mixture adhere.

4. Use a large, high-sided frying pan and place over medium high heat. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable oil and let it heat up. The oil is ready when a pinch of flour dropped in sizzles.

5. Add the chicken pieces to the frying pan. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes on one side.

6. Finish frying the chicken. Turn the pieces in the pan and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the pieces from the pan and drain on parchment paper or paper towels to remove excess cooking oil.

7. Complete the cooking process. Place the chicken pieces in a convection oven at 325 degrees for 10 minutes, or put the meat on a cooling rack placed on top of a cookie sheet and cook in a regular oven at 325 degrees for 10 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Finishing the cooking process in an oven prevents burning of the coating.

• If the cooking oil smokes, the temperature is too hot and the chicken will burn.

• Always use caution around hot cooking oil.