Everyone loves a good Paula Deen Southern Fried Chicken Recipe. This dish is a true classic from the South. You will learn How to make Paula Deen Southern Fried Chicken today. It is crispy, juicy, and very delicious.
This Paula Deen Southern Fried Chicken Recipe is perfect for family dinner. It brings people together at the table. You will love the fried chicken taste and crunch. Your family will ask for this meal every week.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The Paula Deen Southern Fried Chicken Recipe has a bold flavor. It is very salty and slightly spicy. The texture is the best part of the dish. The skin is very crunchy and thick.
The meat inside stays moist and very tender. This recipe is very easy to follow at home. It does not require any fancy cooking skills. You only need about forty minutes of total time.
It is a very fast way to make dinner. The ingredients are simple and easy to find. This chicken tastes just like a Southern kitchen. It is the best comfort food for a Sunday.
Equipment List
Large Bowl: used to mix the wet egg wash.
Medium Bowl: needed to hold the dry flour mixture.
Paper Towels: used to drain the extra frying oil.
Tongs: help you flip the chicken pieces safely.
Cast Iron Skillet: provides even heat for the frying process.
Wire Rack: keeps the chicken crispy while it rests.
Meat Thermometer: ensures the chicken is cooked all through.
Gallon Bag: can be used for shaking the flour.
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Southern Fried Chicken
Chicken: the main star of this famous Southern dish.
Eggs: help the flour stick to the chicken skin.
Hot Sauce: adds a tiny bit of spicy kick.
Self-Rising Flour: makes the outer coating light and airy.
All-Purpose Flour: provides a strong and crunchy crust.
House Seasoning: a special mix of salt and pepper.
Garlic Powder: adds a deep and savory taste profile.
Peanut Oil: the best oil for high heat frying.
Water: thins out the egg wash for better dipping.
How to Assemble
Step 1:
Get three shallow bowls for your prep station. Wash your hands very well with warm soap. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick to the skin.
Step 2:
Break the eggs into the first shallow bowl. Add the water and the hot sauce now. Whisk them together until they are very smooth. This creates your wet base for the chicken.
Step 3:
Mix the two types of flour in another bowl. Add the house seasoning and garlic powder. Stir the dry mix with a large fork. Make sure the spices are spread out evenly.
Step 4:
Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Do this on both sides of every piece. Sprinkle a little extra seasoning for more flavor. This makes the meat taste great inside.
Step 5:
Drip the chicken into the egg wash first. Turn it over to coat the whole piece. Let the extra egg drip off the meat. You want a thin layer of wet mix.
Step 6:
Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour well. Press the flour into the skin with your hands. Make sure every part has a thick coating. Shake off any extra flour very gently.
Step 7:
Heat the peanut oil in your deep skillet. Use medium-high heat for about five minutes. The oil should reach 350 degrees for frying. A hot pan is key for crispy skin.
Step 8:
Place the chicken skin side down carefully. Do not crowd the pan with too many pieces. Fry the chicken for about ten minutes per side. The skin should turn a dark golden brown.
Step 9:
Check the internal temperature with a meat probe. It should reach 165 degrees in the thickest part. Remove the chicken from the hot oil slowly. Use your tongs to prevent any oil splashes.
Step 10:
Drain the chicken on a wire rack. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy. Let the meat rest for five minutes. This keeps the juices inside the chicken.
Recipe Notes
Use a thermometer to check the oil heat.
Do not crowd the pan while you fry.
Peanut oil works best for high heat frying.
Keep the chicken warm in a low oven.
Add extra pepper for a bigger flavor kick.
Use fresh chicken for the best final taste.
How To Store Leftover
Put leftovers in an airtight glass container. Keep them in the fridge for three days. You can reheat them in an air fryer. This keeps the skin very crispy and fresh.
Do not use a microwave for reheating chicken. It will make the skin soggy and soft. Cold fried chicken is also a great snack.
Sides & Pairings Suggestions
Serve this chicken with creamy mashed potatoes. Green beans with bacon are a great side. You can also add a buttery biscuit on top. A fresh coleslaw adds a nice cold crunch.
Macaroni and cheese is another perfect pairing choice. These sides make a full and happy Southern meal. Everyone will love the variety of flavors.
Nutritions
| Nutrient | Value |
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Total Fat | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
FAQs about Paula Deen Southern Fried Chicken
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes, you can use an air fryer. It uses less oil than deep frying. The chicken will still be very crunchy.
What is House Seasoning?
It is a mix of three simple items. Use salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix them in a small jar.
How do I know it is done?
Use a meat thermometer to be sure. The internal temperature must reach 165 degrees. This ensures the chicken is safe.
Can I use white meat only?
You can use breasts if you like them. But dark meat stays much more moist. Thighs and legs are great for frying.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is a treasure for any kitchen. You will love the golden and crispy skin. It brings the taste of the South home. Happy cooking and enjoy every single bite. This chicken is sure to be a winner.
Paula Deen Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large Bowl:
- Medium Bowl
- Paper towels
- Tongs
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Wire Rack
- Meat thermometer
- Gallon Bag
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs CHICKEN
- 2 large EGGS
- 1/3 cup WATER
- 1 cup HOT SAUCE
- 1 cup SELF-RISING FLOUR
- 1 cup ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
- 1 tsp HOUSE SEASONING
- 1 quart PEANUT OIL
Instructions
Step 1:
- Get three shallow bowls for your prep station. Wash your hands very well with warm soap. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick to the skin.
Step 2:
- Break the eggs into the first shallow bowl. Add the water and the hot sauce now. Whisk them together until they are very smooth. This creates your wet base for the chicken.
Step 3:
- Mix the two types of flour in another bowl. Add the house seasoning and garlic powder. Stir the dry mix with a large fork. Make sure the spices are spread out evenly.
Step 4:
- Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Do this on both sides of every piece. Sprinkle a little extra seasoning for more flavor. This makes the meat taste great inside.
Step 5:
- Drip the chicken into the egg wash first. Turn it over to coat the whole piece. Let the extra egg drip off the meat. You want a thin layer of wet mix.
Step 6:
- Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour well. Press the flour into the skin with your hands. Make sure every part has a thick coating. Shake off any extra flour very gently.
Step 7:
- Heat the peanut oil in your deep skillet. Use medium-high heat for about five minutes. The oil should reach 350 degrees for frying. A hot pan is key for crispy skin.
Step 8:
- Place the chicken skin side down carefully. Do not crowd the pan with too many pieces. Fry the chicken for about ten minutes per side. The skin should turn a dark golden brown.
Step 9:
- Check the internal temperature with a meat probe. It should reach 165 degrees in the thickest part. Remove the chicken from the hot oil slowly. Use your tongs to prevent any oil splashes.
Step 10:
- Drain the chicken on a wire rack. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy. Let the meat rest for five minutes. This keeps the juices inside the chicken.
Notes
Do not crowd the pan while you fry.
Peanut oil works best for high heat frying.
Keep the chicken warm in a low oven.
Add extra pepper for a bigger flavor kick.
Use fresh chicken for the best final taste.