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Crispy Southern Fried Chicken & French Fries

This easy recipe brings together juicy chicken in a crunchy coating and perfectly cooked fries to create a comforting Southern classic.
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Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 2 cups buttermilk Can substitute with almond or soy milk for dairy-free version.
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts) High-quality organic or free-range chicken recommended.
For the Coating
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Alternatively, use a gluten-free flour blend.
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) For extra spice.
For the Fries
  • 4 large potatoes, cut into thin fries
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil For frying.
  • 1 tsp salt To season fries after cooking.
For Serving
  • to taste Ketchup
  • to taste Mayonnaise

Method
 

Marination
  1. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder together. Immerse the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Coating Preparation
  1. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Make sure the flour mixture is evenly distributed.
Frying
  1. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour.
  2. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan. Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  3. While frying, check that juices run clear to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
Fries Preparation
  1. Slice the potatoes thinly and soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry before frying.
  2. Fry or bake until golden and crispy. Season with salt immediately after cooking.
Serving
  1. Arrange fried chicken and fries on a platter. Serve with ketchup and mayonnaise for dipping.

Notes

To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade. For a lighter option, bake the chicken instead of frying.