The Absolute Best Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (3 ½-pound) chicken, cut into eighths
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup vegetable oil

How to make The Absolute Best Southern Fried Chicken

1. Rinse the chicken and pat dry.
2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, 1 teaspoon of the black pepper, and the garlic powder.
3. Sprinkle over the chicken.
4. Let stand at least 20 minutes — or, even better, overnight — in the refrigerator.
5. Place the flour, the remaining ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and paprika into a plastic bag.
6. Add the seasoned chicken and shake until each piece is covered with flour.
7. In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat until it bubbles when a little flour is sprinkled in.
8. Add the chicken pieces and reduce the heat to medium.
9. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes or until the chicken is nicely browned on the bottom.
10. Turn and cook on the other side for 7 to 10 minutes or until cooked through.
11. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels before serving.

Notes