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Southern-Style Crispy Fried Chicken is a must-try dish.

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This fried chicken delivers everything you love—crispy coating, juicy interior, and loads of flavor—without the need for buttermilk. A simple egg and seasoned flour dredge is all it takes to create golden, crunchy perfection. Perfect for a comforting dinner or crowd-pleasing weekend treat.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1.5 lbs chicken drumsticks (or substitute with thighs, wings, or legs; skin-on for best results)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • Salt, to taste

  • Black pepper, to taste

  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken:
    Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

  2. Prepare the Coatings:
    In one bowl, beat the eggs.
    In another bowl, combine flour with paprika, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, cayenne pepper, and a few extra pinches of salt and black pepper.

  3. Double Dredge:
    Coat each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and return once more to the flour for a second coat. Press the flour on firmly to help it stick.

  4. Heat the Oil:
    In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  5. Fry the Chicken:
    Working in batches, fry chicken pieces for about 5 minutes per side or until deeply golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

  6. Drain and Serve:
    Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.

Notes

  • No thermometer? Drop a bit of flour into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; it drops the oil temp and causes soggy coating.

  • Want extra crunch? Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour mixture.

  • For a spicy kick, increase the cayenne or add chili powder.

Find it online: https://friendlywell.com/southern-style-crispy-fried-chicken-is-a-must-try-dish/