Mama’s Fried Chicken is a classic, soul-warming dish that brings the comforting flavors of traditional Southern cooking right to your table. This recipe features crispy, golden-brown chicken that’s juicy and flavorful on the inside, thanks to a secret blend of spices and a buttermilk marinade. Each bite has the perfect balance of crunchy texture and tender, moist meat, making it an unforgettable comfort food experience.
I first tried Mama’s Fried Chicken when I was craving a taste of authentic Southern-style cooking. The chicken had been marinated in buttermilk, which added an extra layer of moisture and richness to the meat. The crispy coating, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, was what made it truly special—it was crunchy, well-seasoned, and full of flavor. It reminded me of family gatherings and the comfort of a home-cooked meal.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize the spice blend to suit your taste, whether you prefer it extra spicy or more mild. Mama’s Fried Chicken is perfect served with classic sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, collard greens, or corn on the cob, making it a true staple for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Sunday gatherings
- Holiday meals
- Picnics and barbecues
- Fried chicken enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Mama’s Fried Chicken will become your new go-to fried chicken recipe:
- Crispy and Crunchy Coating: The coating is perfectly crisp, offering that satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Juicy and Tender Meat: The chicken stays tender and juicy inside, thanks to the marinating process.
- Flavorful Seasoning: The blend of spices and herbs in the seasoning makes every piece of chicken burst with flavor.
- Golden Brown Perfection: Each piece fries up to a golden-brown, mouthwatering color.
- Perfectly Balanced Heat: The heat from the spices is just right, offering a kick without overpowering the flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: You can make this with basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course, in sandwiches, or even as a topping for salads.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This fried chicken is always a hit with family and friends.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, crispy piece of fried chicken.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and reheat it for a quick meal.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks or thighs)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
The Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 4 cups)
Ingredient Highlights
- Buttermilk: Ensures the chicken remains moist and tender while infusing flavor.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch to the coating, giving it that perfect crispiness.
- Hot Sauce: Adds a subtle kick to the marinade without making the chicken too spicy.
- Paprika and Cayenne Pepper: Give the chicken a rich color and smoky heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Coating:
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In a shallow dish or large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating into the chicken for a thicker crust.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for 10-12 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the Chicken: Use tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve:
- Serve Warm: Serve the chicken hot, with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Mama’s Fried Chicken:
- With Biscuits and Gravy: A true Southern classic.
- In a Sandwich: Pile the fried chicken on a bun with pickles, lettuce, and mayonnaise.
- With Mac and Cheese: A perfect pairing for a hearty meal.
- As a Picnic Meal: Take it on the go for a family picnic or barbecue.
- With Potato Salad: A classic pairing for any fried chicken dish.
- With Hot Sauce: Add an extra drizzle of hot sauce for those who love heat.
- With Honey: A drizzle of honey adds sweetness to the crispy chicken.
- On a Salad: Chop the fried chicken into pieces and top a salad for a hearty lunch.
- With Sweet Potatoes: Serve alongside mashed or roasted sweet potatoes for a balanced meal.
- As a Snack: Enjoy it cold as a delicious snack the next day.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up properly.
- Check Internal Temperature: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure it stays juicy.
- Use a Thermometer: To maintain consistent oil temperature, use a cooking thermometer to monitor the heat.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an extra-crispy coating, dip the chicken in the flour mixture a second time.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Mama’s Fried Chicken: Add extra cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating for more heat.
- Gluten-Free Fried Chicken: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
- Crispy Chicken Tenders: Use boneless, skinless chicken strips for smaller portions.
- Oven-Fried Chicken: For a lighter version, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the marinade for a fragrant twist.
- Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken: Toss the chicken with lemon zest and black pepper after frying for a citrusy kick.
- Beer-Battered Fried Chicken: Use a beer batter instead of the flour mixture for a unique texture and flavor.
- Sweet and Sour Fried Chicken: Drizzle the chicken with a sweet and sour glaze for a tangy twist.
- BBQ Fried Chicken: Coat the fried chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce before serving.
Special Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Cast-Iron Skillet: For frying the chicken evenly.
- Cooking Thermometer: To monitor oil temperature.
- Wire Rack or Paper Towels: To drain excess oil after frying.
- Tongs: For safely handling the hot chicken.
- Shallow Dish or Bowl: For coating the chicken in the flour mixture.
FAQ Section
- Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked. - Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time, even overnight for more flavor. - How long will this fried chicken last?
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness. - Can I freeze the fried chicken?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best results. - Can I use another type of oil for frying?
Yes, you can use other oils like peanut or sunflower oil for frying. - What’s the best way to store leftover fried chicken?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain crispiness, reheat in a hot oven rather than the microwave. - Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier version. - How can I make the coating even crispier?
Double coat the chicken in the flour mixture or use cornstarch to add extra crunch. - Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
Skinless chicken can work, but the coating won’t be as crispy without the skin. - What sides go best with fried chicken?
Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and biscuits are classic side dishes.
Conclusion
Mama’s Fried Chicken is a classic comfort food that brings together crispy, golden-brown chicken with tender, juicy meat on the inside. This family favorite is full of flavor, with a well-seasoned, crispy coating that’s perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection.
The magic of this recipe is in the marinade, which infuses the chicken with a depth of flavor, and the double-dip coating that creates a crispy, crunchy exterior. The secret is in the seasoning—paprika, garlic powder, and a bit of cayenne for a touch of heat, giving this fried chicken its irresistible flavor. Paired with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread, it’s the ultimate comfort meal.
I’d love to see your Mama’s Fried Chicken creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your crispy, golden masterpieces. Don’t forget to leave a comment and tell me how you made this dish your own with your favorite sides or seasonings!