Crispy Country Fried Chicken Like Grandma Made

Crispy Country Fried Chicken Like Grandma Made

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Nothing feels quite like home as much as the comforting aroma of golden, crispy fried chicken sizzling away in a cast iron skillet. This recipe for Crispy Country Fried Chicken Like Grandma Made is a timeless Southern classic, featuring tender, juicy chicken encased in a perfectly seasoned crunchy coating. It’s a dish steeped in nostalgia, reminiscent of long Sunday dinners at grandma’s table, where love was the secret ingredient in every bite.

Bringing this dish to your own kitchen means embracing simple ingredients and classic techniques. The buttermilk soak keeps the chicken moist, while the seasoned flour mixture creates that irresistible crust you’ll find yourself craving over and over. Whether you serve it for a family gathering or a casual weekend dinner, this fried chicken is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Country Fried Chicken

You’ll love this recipe for its incredible flavor, unbeatable texture, and its nod to tradition. The crispy coating delivers just the right amount of crunch with every bite, while the inside stays succulent and tender. Plus, it’s easy to make with everyday pantry staples. Perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the best results, use a mix of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces—like thighs, drumsticks, and breasts—so everyone can enjoy their favorite cut. If you prefer white meat or dark meat only, feel free to adjust. Just keep in mind that bone-in pieces give more flavor and stay juicier during frying. If you’re short on time, you can also use boneless pieces, but watch them closely to prevent overcooking.

Ingredients for the Crispy Country Fried Chicken Like Grandma Made

Buttermilk is essential to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with tangy flavor while it soaks. All-purpose flour forms the base of the crust, giving you that classic Southern crunch. Salt and pepper season both the chicken and the flour, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned. Paprika and garlic powder add depth of flavor to the breading. Vegetable oil is used for frying, as it handles high heat and gives a golden, crispy finish.

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How To Make the Crispy Country Fried Chicken Like Grandma Made

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour over enough buttermilk to fully submerge them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This ensures tender, juicy meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the flour.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour enough vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet to come about 1/2 inch up the sides. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Working in batches, carefully place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry each side for 7–10 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Drain and Rest

Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep the crust crisp. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Storing This Crispy Country Fried Chicken

This recipe yields enough to feed about 6 hungry people, perfect for a family meal or a friendly get-together. Serve the chicken hot and fresh for the ultimate crunch. If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to restore the crispiness.

What to Serve With Crispy Country Fried Chicken?

Classic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes with a touch of butter and cream make the perfect comforting side.

Southern Coleslaw

A cool, tangy slaw adds a refreshing crunch to balance the rich fried chicken.

Biscuits with Honey

Fluffy, buttery biscuits drizzled with honey complete the Southern experience.

Collard Greens

Slow-cooked collard greens bring earthy depth and a little smoky flavor to the table.

Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent—mac and cheese is always a hit.

Cornbread

Moist and slightly sweet, cornbread is a nostalgic and hearty accompaniment.

Green Beans with Bacon

Fresh green beans sautéed with smoky bacon bits for a savory side dish.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this Crispy Country Fried Chicken Like Grandma Made, you’ll want to try these other comforting favorites from Janet Dishes:

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for a decadent dessert to finish your meal.
Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a lighter but equally flavorful chicken dish.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta when you’re in the mood for a creamy pasta with a touch of greens.
Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese to pair alongside or enjoy on its own.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use all thighs? Or maybe added a pinch of cayenne for heat? Share your tweaks and tips—we’re all here to make dinner better together.

Explore beautifully curated home-cooked meals and more inspiration on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite dish!

Conclusion

This Crispy Country Fried Chicken Like Grandma Made is more than just a meal—it’s a trip back to cherished family traditions and flavors you’ll never forget. With a crunchy golden crust and juicy, tender meat, it’s sure to become a regular in your home. Enjoy the taste of Southern comfort right from your kitchen.

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Crispy Country Fried Chicken Like Grandma Made

Crispy Country Fried Chicken Like Grandma Made


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Crispy Country Fried Chicken Like Grandma Made is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy, tender chicken with a golden crunchy crust, this Southern classic is perfect for family dinners and Sunday suppers.


Ingredients

2 cups buttermilk

1 whole chicken cut into pieces (about 34 pounds)

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

3 cups vegetable oil (or as needed for frying)


Instructions

1. Place chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour over buttermilk to fully submerge. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. In another bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat each piece in seasoned flour, pressing to adhere. Pour oil into a heavy skillet to about 1/2 inch depth and heat to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches, 7–10 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet and let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken for more flavor and juiciness. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (+4 hours marinating)
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern Comfort

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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