Cindy’s Somewhat Southern Fried Chicken Recipe – Crispy & Flavorful

Southern fried chicken is a beloved staple in the culinary world, and Cindy’s somewhat Southern fried chicken adds a personal twist to this classic dish. It’s a crispy, flavorful delight that captures the essence of Southern cooking. Whether you’re preparing this for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, cooking process, and tips to perfect Cindy’s somewhat Southern fried chicken, with a focus on the key elements that make Southern fried chicken so iconic.

Ingredients

The success of any great Southern fried chicken starts with the ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering that crispy, golden exterior and juicy, tender interior that we all crave. Here’s what you’ll need for Cindy’s somewhat Southern fried chicken recipe:

Chicken

• 4 chicken leg quarters (about 2 pounds)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Buttermilk Marinade

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional for a little extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Seasoned Flour

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)

Frying

• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

To get that juicy, flavorful interior, start by marinating the chicken.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, hot sauce (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Marinate: Place the chicken leg quarters and chicken breasts into the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

The seasoned flour is what gives Southern fried chicken its iconic crispy coating.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing it firmly to ensure an even coating.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

This is where the magic happens — frying the chicken to crispy, golden perfection.

1. Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the temperature for even cooking.
2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, skin-side down, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the leg quarters for about 12-15 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Fry the chicken breasts for about 8-10 minutes per side.
3. Drain and Season: Once the chicken is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Season with salt immediately while still hot.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and delicious.

Tips and Variations

To help you customize your fried chicken experience, here are some tips and variations:

Cooking Tips

• What is Southern fried chicken made of? Southern fried chicken is known for its crispy coating, which typically includes flour seasoned with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. The chicken is often marinated in buttermilk, which tenderizes the meat.
• How long to deep fry chicken leg quarters? The key is to cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For chicken leg quarters, this usually takes 12-15 minutes per side in hot oil.
• Why is it called Southern fried? The name comes from the cooking method used in the Southern United States, where frying chicken in a skillet or deep fryer became a traditional method.

Variations

• Spicy Southern Fried Chicken: Add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoned flour for a spicy kick.
• Oven-Fried Version: For a lighter version, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Spray the chicken with cooking oil and bake until golden and crispy, about 35-40 minutes.
• Different Chicken Cuts: Feel free to use different chicken cuts like wings, thighs, or drumsticks for this recipe. Adjust frying times accordingly based on the size of the pieces.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the basic nutritional breakdown for one serving (1 piece of Cindy’s somewhat Southern fried chicken):

• Calories: 360-420 calories (depending on the cut of chicken)
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 950mg

Note: The nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on portion size, oil absorption, and other factors.

Cindy’s somewhat Southern fried chicken is a must-try for anyone who loves classic comfort food. The combination of the buttermilk marinade, seasoned flour, and the perfect frying technique results in a dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or at your next family gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.