Black Folks Soul Food Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

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What is the difference between fried chicken and Southern fried chicken?

Most soul food is Southern. But not all Southern food is soul food. Get it?

Here’s how you can tell if a batch of fried chicken (chicken battered in flour) is a Southern soul food recipe:

Crunchy flavorful outside with juicy, seasoned tender meat inside.

Yep – that’s a Black folks’ soul food Southern fried chicken recipe!

Black Folks Soul Food-Southern Fried Chicken

Soul food fried chicken

When people ask, “What is Southern fried chicken?”

I think they should ask instead…

“What is the secret to good fried chicken?”

Or, “What is the secret to making great fried chicken?”

The answer is soul food Southern fried chicken. A recipe that Black folks created and perfected!

There’s no denying that chicken with a balance of flavorful, tender meat on the inside and crispy seasoning on the outside is a soul food specialty.

So I’m sharing the secrets to a savory batch of Southern fried chicken the soul food way!  

Black Folks Soul Food Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

How do you make a traditional Black folks’ soul food Southern fried chicken recipe?

How do you make the best fried chicken that’s both crispy and tender

To do this, you no longer need years of experience perfecting the precise temperature for hot oil in a Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet. 

You can still use these stovetop accessories, or you can give yourself some grace and plop your battered chicken pieces in a deep fryer!

What is the use of a deep fryer? 

Deep fryers are a wonderful invention that can make your life so much easier. You can quickly and easily use them indoors or outdoors to fry foods like Southern fried chicken in deep oils at high temperatures.

I call new-age at-home appliances like deep fryers and electric pressure cookers “magical meals in minutes!”

So I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention using an air fryer to make this Black folks soul food Southern fried chicken recipe.

When it comes to chicken, one of the reasons air fryers are so popular is that people want to eat healthier but still get that crispy Southern fried chicken taste and texture.

Air fryer chicken is a healthy and crispy alternative to deep-fried chicken. 

Southern Fried Chicken Seasoning & Spices: How do you season chicken before cooking?

How do you season chicken before cooking?

Soul food seasoning rule number one: 

Always season your chicken or meat!

Seasoning chicken before cooking allows the spices to penetrate the meat and helps release the flavor during the cooking process.

Soul Food Southern Fried Chicken Seasoning
Homemade soul food Southern fried chicken seasoning is a unique soul food specialty blend!
Use the recipe ingredients and step-by-step instructions for cooking the most flavorful and delicious fried chicken from scratch!
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Southern Fried Chicken Seasoning

Black people fried chicken recipe

In moderation, you can still enjoy a batch of deep-fried Black folks soul food Southern fried chicken! Fried chicken is another darling recipe of the South, akin to Southern potato saladcornbread and collard greens. Or sardines and pork and beans (for my DC Chocolate City peeps). 

I promise, there’s nothing like a delicious piping hot, fresh batch of Black folks soul food Southern fried chicken!

Southern Fried Chicken Recipe Black

Kitchen equipment

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What Ingredients Do You Need For Soul Food Southern Fried Chicken?

Ingredients for Black folks soul food Southern fried chicken recipe

  • 6-8 pieces of chicken (or one 3-pound chicken cut into pieces)
  • 48 oz. of peanut oil, or vegetable oil
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour, divided 
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon of red pepper (chili pepper)
  • 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning or all-purpose seasoning
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of salt
  • ¾ teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup of buttermilk (½ cup of buttermilk = ½ cup of milk & ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar)

What Is A Black Folks Soul Food Southern Fried Chicken Recipe?

You can make the buttermilk for this recipe yourself. Because let’s be real – it’s not a common pantry ingredient!

Buttermilk for this recipe: ½ cup of buttermilk = ½ cup of milk + ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes. 

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe: Transfer the chicken to the last bag (or bowl) of flour and shake or toss until it’s very well coated

Instructions for soul food Southern fried chicken recipe 

  1. Mix the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Rub the seasoning mixture all over each piece of chicken.
  3. Pour the peanut oil (preferred) or vegetable oil into a deep fryer, 6-quart skillet, or Dutch oven until the oil is 1-inch deep.
  4. Heat the oil over medium heat or until it reaches 350 degrees F.
  5. While you’re waiting for the oil to heat up, place 1 cup of the divided flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper in a medium-size mixing bowl or 1-gallon resealable food storage bag. 
  6. Shake (or mix) the sealed bag to combine the ingredients for a homemade poultry seasoning, and set the flour mixture aside.
  7. Pour the second cup of flour into a second resealable bag (or medium-sized mixing bowl) and set it aside.
  8. In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg, and set that mixture aside too.
  9. The chicken will go through a 3-step process from here.
  10. First, place the chicken in the bag (or bowl) of seasoned flour and shake or toss to coat the chicken evenly. 
  11. Second, shake off the excess flour and dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture.
  12. Third, transfer the chicken to the last bag (or bowl) of flour and shake or toss until it’s very well coated. 
  13. Place the coated chicken into the pre-heated oil, skin-side down, and be careful not to overcrowd the chicken in the oil.
  14. You can fry a second batch if need be to avoid overcrowding by frying all the chicken at once. Just make sure the hot oil remains at 350 degrees F.
  15. Cook the chicken pieces for 10 to 12 minutes, occasionally turning to prevent excessive browning.
  16. As the chicken batter turns golden brown, remove it from the hot oil, and allow it to drain in a closed container (to keep the fried chicken warm) with a paper towel under the chicken. 
  17. Serve soul food Southern fried chicken right away, and enjoy!

Can you make this recipe in your Instant Pot?

Yes! Check out this easy Southern fried chicken Instant Pot recipe.

Soul Food Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

What do you serve with soul food Southern fried chicken?

You can start with a recipe that’s both salty and sweet – soul food chicken and waffles!

Several soul food recipes are favorites when serving Southern fried chicken. From baked macaroni and cheese to Southern potato salad,  creamy mashed potatoesfried cabbage, Southern coleslaw, chicken yock, or collard greens.

What sauce goes with Black folks soul food Southern fried chicken?

Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or an afternoon snack, one of these condiments is sure to be a favorite when it comes to Southern fried chicken. 

  • Hot sauce
  • Ranch dressing
  • Pure honey 
  • Honey mustard
  • Ketchup
  • BBQ sauce
Black People Fried Chicken Recipe

Black folks soul food Southern fried chicken FAQs

How long do you cook this soul food Southern fried chicken recipe?

Deep fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F.

If you’re using almond flour for this recipe, keep an eye on the chicken while it’s air frying, as almond flour tends to cook faster than other wheat flour.

At what temperature do you cook soul food fried chicken? Make sure the hot oil remains at 350 degrees F

At what temperature do you cook soul food fried chicken?

The temperature to maintain the hot oil when deep-frying this Black folks soul food Southern fried chicken recipe is 350 degrees F.

What Oil Is Best For Southern Fried Chicken?

What oil is best for frying chicken?

Peanut oil is preferred for deep-frying because of its relatively high smoke point of about 450 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Other oils have higher smoke points but impart a strong flavor to the food. Peanut oil is a mild-flavored oil, so it won’t interfere with the taste of the fried chicken. 

Do you have to fry chicken in peanut oil?

No, especially if you’re allergic to peanuts! Instead, use vegetable oil.

Why is hot oil important?

Hot oil is essential when preparing fried chicken in a deep fryer, Dutch oven, or skillet because it’s the cooking agent for frying the chicken. It should be maintained at 350 degrees F.

Best Soul Food Southern Fried Chicken Recipes

Can this be made in an air fryer?

Do air fryers work for soul food Southern fried chicken?

The answer is yes, and you won’t believe how good and crispy it tastes!

Which part of chicken should you use for this Black folks soul food Southern fried chicken recipe?

You can use whatever chicken pieces you like. Whole chicken, half, or just your favorite parts of the chicken – chicken wings, legs, chicken breast, chicken thighs, or drumsticks.

Southern Fried Chicken Seasoning: What else can you use to season the flour?

Pro tips: 

  • Some Southern cooks like to use a baking sheet or a large bowl to separate the dark meat and white meat. They dredge the dark meat first, fry, and then dredge the remaining chicken (the white meat) and fry.
  • What else can you use to season the flour? Other than a sprinkle of salt and pepper, some Southern fried chicken recipes even call for cornstarch to thicken the batter for extra crunch or hot sauce for more heat!
  • You may also consider a buttermilk brine or buttermilk marinade to tenderize the chicken before frying.

Is it better to use flour or cornstarch for fried chicken?

Is it better to use flour or cornstarch for fried chicken?

Flour is necessary for frying chicken. It’s what makes the crispy fried chicken batter.

You can use cornstarch as an optional extra additive for more crunch!

If you’re preparing a Kosher recipe, are there any substitutes for buttermilk?

Milk itself doesn’t add much flavor to your chicken, even when marinating.

You see, marinating chicken in buttermilk is not for flavor – but rather, the acidity is used to tenderize the meat.

So, you can easily substitute water for milk to make this a Kosher recipe (still add the ½ a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar).

You can also use Kosher salt.

Is it better to use egg or milk for fried chicken? In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg, and set that mixture aside

Is it better to use egg or milk for fried chicken?

The milk (buttermilk) is mixed with the egg for this Southern fried chicken recipe. 

Then, before placing the buttermilk and egg-coated chicken into the pre-heated oil, the chicken will undergo a 3-step dredging process.

  1. First, place the chicken in the bag (or bowl) of seasoned flour and shake or toss to coat the chicken evenly. 
  2. Second, shake off the excess flour and dip the chicken into the buttermilk and egg mixture.
  3. Third, transfer the chicken to the last bag (or bowl) of flour (and optional cornstarch) and shake or toss until it’s very well coated. 

Do you do egg or flour first for fried chicken?

Place the chicken in seasoned flour before you dip the chicken into the buttermilk and egg mixture.

Why do you dip chicken in flour before egg?

The flour helps the egg mixture stick to the chicken. 

The Best Southern Fried Chicken Recipes by The Soul Food Pot

Join the conversation about Southern fried chicken recipes

Check out episode 4 of The Soul Food Pod: Mama’s famous fried chicken recipe!

What do you think of this Black folks’ soul food Southern fried chicken recipe?

Have you had it?

Would you make it? 

Comment below and lemme know. 

Then subscribe HERE for all the soul food!

The Ultimate Soul Food Recipes Guide
What is soul food? Soul food recipes are African-American recipes full of flavor! A legacy of Southern cooking the Black way. Check out this collection of the best soul food recipes!
Check out this recipe!
The Ultimate Soul Food Recipes Guide

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Black Folks Soul Food Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Black Folks Soul Food-Southern Fried Chicken

Black Folks Soul Food Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

What is the secret to good fried chicken?
The answer is a soul food Southern fried chicken recipe that Black folks created and perfected!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern Food
Keyword: Black folks fried chicken recipe, Black folks soul food Southern fried chicken recipe, Black people food, Black people fried chicken recipe, buttermilk fried chicken recipe, soul food, soul food fried chicken, southern food, Southern fried chicken recipe
Servings: 6
Calories: 2187kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6-8 pieces chicken 6-8 pieces of chicken, or one 3-pound chicken cut into pieces
  • 48 oz peanut oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour divided
  • 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon red pepper (chili pepper)
  • 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning or all-purpose seasoning
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup buttermilk ½ cup of buttermilk = ½ cup of milk & ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  • Mix the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  • Rub the seasoning mixture all over each piece of chicken.
    Southern Fried Chicken Recipe: Mix the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl
  • Pour the peanut oil (preferred) or vegetable oil into a deep fryer, 6-quart skillet, or Dutch oven until the oil is 1-inch deep.
    Pour the peanut oil (preferred) or vegetable oil into a deep fryer, 6-quart skillet, or Dutch oven until the oil is 1-inch deep
  • Heat the oil over medium heat or until it reaches 350 degrees F.
    Southern Fried Chicken Recipe: Heat the oil over medium heat or until it reaches 350 degrees F
  • While you’re waiting for the oil to heat up, place 1 cup of the divided flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper in a medium-size mixing bowl or 1-gallon resealable food storage bag.
  • Shake (or mix) the sealed bag to combine the ingredients for a homemade poultry seasoning, and set the flour mixture aside.
    Mix the sealed bag to combine the ingredients for a homemade poultry seasoning, and set the flour mixture aside
  • Pour the second cup of flour into a second resealable bag (or medium-sized mixing bowl) and set it aside.
    Southern Fried Chicken Recipe: Pour the second cup of flour into a second resealable bag (or medium-sized mixing bowl) and set it aside
  • In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg, and set that mixture aside too.
    In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg, and set that mixture aside
  • The chicken will go through a 3-step process from here.
  • First, place the chicken in the bag (or bowl) of seasoned flour and shake or toss to coat the chicken evenly.
    Southern Fried Chicken Recipe: First, place the chicken in the bag (or bowl) of seasoned flour and shake or toss to coat the chicken evenly
  • Second, shake off the excess flour and dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture.
    Southern Fried Chicken Recipe: Second, shake off the excess flour and dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture
  • Third, transfer the chicken to the last bag (or bowl) of flour and shake or toss until it’s very well coated.
    Southern Fried Chicken Recipe: Third, transfer the chicken to the last bag (or bowl) of flour and shake or toss until it’s very well coated
  • Place the coated chicken into the pre-heated oil, skin-side down, and be careful not to overcrowd the chicken in the oil.
    Southern Fried Chicken Recipe: Place the coated chicken into the pre-heated oil
  • You can fry a second batch if need be to avoid overcrowding by frying all the chicken at once. Just make sure the hot oil remains at 350 degrees F.
    Make sure the hot oil remains at 350 degrees F
  • Cook the chicken pieces for 10 to 12 minutes, occasionally turning to prevent excessive browning.
    Southern Fried Chicken Recipe: Cook the chicken pieces for 10 to 12 minutes, occasionally turning to prevent excessive browning
  • As the chicken batter turns golden brown, remove it from the hot oil, and allow it to drain in a closed container (to keep the fried chicken warm) with a paper towel under the chicken.
    As the chicken batter turns golden brown, remove it from the hot oil
  • Serve soul food Southern fried chicken right away, and enjoy!
    Serve soul food Southern fried chicken right away, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Pro tips: 
  • Some Southern cooks like to use a baking sheet or a large bowl to separate the dark meat and white meat. They dredge the dark meat first, fry, and then dredge the remaining chicken (the white meat) and fry.
  • What else can you use to season the flour? Other than a sprinkle of salt and pepper, some Southern fried chicken recipes even call for cornstarch to thicken the batter for extra crunch or hot sauce for more heat!
  • You may also consider a buttermilk brine or buttermilk marinade to tenderize the chicken before frying.
Black Folks Soul Food Southern Fried Chicken Recipe Card by The Soul Food Pot

Nutrition

Calories: 2187kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 229g | Saturated Fat: 39g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 73g | Monounsaturated Fat: 105g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 615mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 133IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg
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16 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I will be trying this recipe because my fried chicken is not it just doesn’t come out good at all I really need this thanks

  2. 5 stars
    I’m going to print and save this recipe for future use!

    1. 5 stars
      Great! Please share a pic when you make this soul food Southern fried chicken recipe.

  3. stephen bradley says:

    5 stars
    While I have not tried it yet, I just wanted to reach out and say thank you for all the effort to help all those people who love fried chicken like me….thanks again.

    1. You’re welcome! I’m so happy you’re inspired to make this soul food Southern fried chicken recipe.

  4. 5 stars
    This is a fantastic fried chicken recipe! The breading has great flavor with a touch of heat. The meat is tender and juicey esp. if you follow the brine recipe. I’m a southern boy in Maine for the summer and wanted pan fried chicken. It was a big hit with folks at the 4th of July gathering. One thing, I used whole wheat flour, just keep in mind that it will crisp to a darker color but not be burnt.

    1. 5 stars
      I’m so happy this classic soul food fried chicken recipe turned out deliciously for you and your family! Nice addition using wheat flour 😉

  5. 5 stars
    Tried it. Perfect texture!

  6. Aman Sharma says:

    5 stars
    This is a great recipe! I’m going to have to try it out.

  7. 5 stars
    It was great! Great seasoning and super moist!

    1. 5 stars
      Thank you for coming back to share!So glad you loved my Southern fried chicken recipe!

  8. Roy Plaisance says:

    5 stars
    I’m an elderly southern good ol’ boy from La. that loves southern soul food. Eat at local neighborhood mom and pop at least once a week. Love cooking at home but don’t get the recipe seasoning right at times. Glad I found “The Soul Food Pot” as certainly will help get everything right from now on. Loved the fried chicken and the collard green recipes. Spot on and very good. Thanks for your work putting the site together and publishing all the info and materials.