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Crispy Southern Fried Chicken with Fresh Garden Salad

A beloved Southern dish featuring golden, crispy fried chicken paired with a refreshing garden salad, perfect for gatherings and family meals.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks and thighs) Look for fresh meat with a pink hue.
  • 2 cups buttermilk For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Substitute with gluten-free blend if needed.
  • 1 tbsp paprika Provides color and flavor.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust for spice preference.
For the Garden Salad
  • 3 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cucumber sliced
  • 2 tomatoes sliced
  • 1/4 cup red cabbage shredded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method
 

Marinating the Chicken
  1. Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least two hours.
Preparing the Coating
  1. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Coating the Chicken
  1. Dredge the marinated chicken in the seasoned flour mixture for an even coating.
Frying the Chicken
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C) and fry the chicken for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
Serving
  1. Allow the chicken to rest briefly, then serve it alongside the fresh garden salad.

Notes

For best results, flavor boost by marinating overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. Adjust cooking times for batch size, and consider using organic chicken for enhanced flavor.