Double Dipped, Crispy Fried Chicken is a crowd pleaser because of how crunchy and juicy and awesomely flavorful it is!!! Serve it up with fresh and creamy coleslaw and cornbread!
Southern friends, you are my idol. I think the south does food like no one’s business. Especially fried food, in particular southern fried chicken.
Southern Fried Chicken
It’s crunchy on the outside, and juicy divine chicken underneath. This fried chicken is our absolute favorite and totally irresistible.
Southern food is a favorite around here, like our smoked beans, southern cheese crackers, and southern corn bread (which is the best corn bread EVER.)
Growing up in a home with a dad from Oregon and a mom from Idaho fried chicken wasn’t really ever made. But that does’t mean we didn’t eat it.
Looking back this is really quite ridiculous and a little embarrassing to admit, but whenever we went out and had a picnic we would get fried chicken from… well, from KFC. There, I said it.
Oh gosh, lol it’s kind of funny if you think about it. I mean, my mom cooked all of our meals and we practically never ate out, but then we go on a picnic and we take a bucket of fried chicken. Bahahaha.
6 Essential Steps for Crispy, Juicy Fried Chicken
- Buy Fresh Chicken Breasts- There is a difference between fresh and frozen and since this chicken is pretty stand alone, no sauces or smoky grilling happening you need the chicken to be all perfectly flavorful.
- Use a Brine- Brining breaks down the chicken into a moist meat and provides extra flavor from the salt. Trust me, 30 minutes is all it takes.
- Season the Bird- Season those chicken pieces before dredging so that the actual meat has flavor to it and not just a crunchy crust.
- Cornstarch, Flour and Egg- Cornstarch and flour make for an extra crisp crust and the egg will act as a glue to hold it all on the chicken.
- Fry in a Dutch Oven- Le Creuset is my absolute favorite, but this Lodge is a great option as well. The heat will be retained better and you won’t have as much burning.
- Use a Thermometer– Trust me, it’s worth the investment and you’ll use it all the time. This is a great version and not expensive. Check the meat to be sure the internal temp is at 165.
Picnics with Fried Chicken
I love that we at least did picnics. Yes, they take a little more work and eating on a blanket may not be as convenient as a table, but trust me your kids will love it. It’s an important part about growing up. There’s something wonderful about relaxing in the warm sunshine with delicious food, and this time you don’t have to run to KFC, I’ll give you a fool proof, easy fried chicken recipe that everyone will be begging for more and the seasoning is so delicious you’ll be licking your fingers.
Oh Sweet Basil Pro Tip
Salt Water Brine
All we do is is set the chicken in salt water for thirty minutes to make it more juicy and flavorful (we figured, if it works for Thanksgiving turkey it must work for fried chicken!).
Dredge for Fried Chicken
Next, do a double dip in egg and flour (because one time just didn’t make them crunchy enough and everyone needs extra crunchy yumminess) shaking off the excess.
- Pat the chicken dry once it’s out of the brine. This is a key step to ensure that the flour mixture sticks to the chicken and creates a nice crust.
- Sprinkle with season salt, we use Real Season Salt.
- Dip both sides of the chicken in the eggs and flour and then repeat. This double dip is the best way to create that nice, thick and crispy when you bite into it crust on fried chicken.
What Kind of Oil for Frying Chicken
The best oil to use for fried chicken is not what you might think.
If possible us Peanut Oil.
Peanut Oil
Peanut oil has a much higher smoke point than other oils which means that you can properly fry food without burning the oil, pot or the item you’re cooking.
Can You Eat Cold Fried Chicken?
It is safe to eat cold fried chicken that has been thoroughly cooked and then rapidly cooled.
Fried chicken that has been left out for more than 2 hours is not safe to eat.
Double Dipped Crispy Fried Chicken
Southern Fried Chicken
Description
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
- 2 Cups Flour
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 Pinch Pepper and salt
- 2 Extra Large Eggs
- Season Salt
- Peanut Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl add the water and salt, stir together until it begins to dissolve and then add the chicken.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Remove the chicken from the fridge and pat dry.
- In a large pot, or dutch oven fill 1/3 the way full with oil and heat to almost medium high heat, about 325 to 350 degrees.
- Place the eggs in one dish, and whisk slightly.
- Add the flour and cornstarch to another dish and add a pinch or two of salt and pepper, then stir to combine.
- Place 2 paper towels on a plate and set aside.
- Meanwhile dip the chicken in the egg on both sides, then dredge in the flour/cornstarch on both sides.
- Repeat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken, cooking only 1 or 2 at a time.
- Cook until lightly golden on one side, about 5 to 8 minutes per side, flip over and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes.
- Remove to the paper towel lined plate and sprinkle with seasoned salt on both sides.
- Tent with a little foil and let rest for a few minutes (3-5 is fine) to redistribute juices.
- Enjoy
Notes
Nutrition
Ashley Allan
Hi! Have you tried cooking this recipe in an Air Fryer?
Sweet Basil
I haven’t tried it, but if you do let me know how it turns out! I’d love to know!!
douglas
Thank-you for the recipe! At 60, i suddenly find myself cooking. And i don’t think i’ve had a better
tasting chicken!! And theirs an KFC, 2 blocks away. i don’t think i will be going their anymore. So,
again thank-you!
Sweet Basil
Wow what a compliment!! I’m so happy to hear it!!
Joan Amell
At 71 yo I have done some southern cooking😍..my grandma was from Kentucky so i learned a lot from her..i don’t measure either n sometimes have a difficult time giving someone a recipe😀…my granddaughter watched me make fry bread 2 or 3 times..then I walked her through it..hers was better than mine😍
Sweet Basil
Thank you Joan! Baking with my grandma is the same way. No measuring…all by feel. I love it!
Sophie
What do you do with the cornstarch?
Sweet Basil
It should be combined with the flour. I’m so sorry for the confusion! The recipe card has been updated to make that clear. Thank you for letting us know!
Emma
Yay!!!! Finally a fried chicken recipe that doesn’t ask for buttermilk (something that is impossible to find in Italy)! Am going to try this tomorrow!!
Sweet Basil
Yay! Let us know how it goes!!
Baltisraul
Saw this on CopyKat and it says better than KFC. Not a great endorsement IMHO. KFC are closing stores faster than you can say 11 herbs and spice. I tried your version and it was really good. We don’t fry much boneless, skinless chicken here in the Deep South but this recipe changed my mind. For those who have trouble getting the breading to stick to the chicken, place it in the freezer for 15 min then go direct to the hot oil. I like to fry my chicken at 375 degrees.
Sweet Basil
Oh how interesting. It’s definitely not at all a KFC copycat recipe, but it is definitely delicious!
Susan
Is it ok to marinate in salt over night? And is it ok to add other seasonings such as garlic and onion powder and paprika?
Sweet Basil
I wouldn’t marinate the chicken for that long in salt. It will actually start to make your chicken tougher rather than tender. You can absolutely add other seasonings!
Ariana
Can you brine it overnight?
Sweet Basil
Ours tend to get too salty overnight, but if you try it let me know.
Ed L.
I brine my chicken — for both grilling and frying — for about two hours, depending on the size of the pieces (2+ hrs. for breasts, thighs, legs; 1+ hr. for small wings) and the chicken always comes out moderately salty and always juicy. Brined fried chicken is the way to go. Try it!
Sweet Basil
I’m definitely not opposed to brining! Thanks for the tips Ed!
Thegiftsguy
I love fried chicken but don’t usually make it myself. This one looks really easy so I think I will give it a try. Thanks
Sweet Basil
Hope you love it!
Brenda
And also try letting the chicken sit in buttermilk for 15 minutes instead of using eggs, then dip in the flour. Makes tender crispy chicken:-) Love your recipes.
Sweet Basil
Love that idea! Thank you so much!
Dolores Launius
I’m not good with fried chicken, but I’m sure going to try this one
Kathy Pressley Dills
I must try the brine thing …I’m finding that a lot of meat recipes call for this, so there must be something to it. I’m a southern gal myself and I find that depending on what part of the south your from there are a lot of different recipes as well as techniques to many of the same foods… such as BBQ, chicken, slaw esc. so to me there is no wrong way to fix these dishes..my grandmother used to say …when the day comes that she cant learn something new is the day she needs to hang up her apron…and I agree with her we never get to old to learn new things.
Sweet Basil
I love what your Grandmother used to say and I couldn’t agree more! I just wish we lived in the south so we could learn even more!
Juliana
Sounds delish! I rarely fry foods cus it never turns out 🙁 however, I’ll give this a shot. The hubby loves fried chicken! What do you mean by double dipping in egg and flour?
Sweet Basil
I know, frying is so tricky! You double dip by dipping the chicken in each mixture once and then going back and doing it a second time. So yummy!
Juliana
Great thanks. That was obvious to me but I wasn’t sure if the flour mixture would come off dipping it again in the egg, wanted to make sure there wasn’t a different method. I’ve got a cast iron pan and will be trying it tonight. Looking forward to it!
Sweet Basil
It does come off a little. I wish I had some cool secret to do it, but this is the only way I know how. 🙁
John
After flouring the chicken place it on a pie cooling rack and let air dry to 10 minutes and then flour again. Makes it better!
Sweet Basil
John, I cannot wait to try that! Thank you for leaving the tip!
Pamela L.
You don’t actually have the direction to double dip in the recipe…
Sweet Basil
How odd! I wonder why “repeat” disappeared but thank you so much for letting us know! It’s been fixed now.
Susan
Your fried chicken recipe looks as southern as any other I’ve come across. When I was cosiderbly younger (20) I would have certainly tried your recipe. Now that I’m considerably older (63) all I can do is add it to my collection. I have high blood pressure so. I make my own seasoning mixes to be sure there’s no salt. Sprinkling the seasoning on after cooking is something I will try.
Martha H
I look forward to using your recipe for Southern Fried Chicken. The honey roasted chicken looks absolutely perfect too! I am from the Good Ole’ South, I have never heard of the brine thing, except for turkey, smart move! Sorry for the rude comments of my fellow Southerners. In the South there is no wrong way! And to let you in on a secret, I DO NOT dredge my chicken. I rinse and pat dry the chicken, then I place the chicken pieces in a large freezer bag full of my seasoned flour and shake. I remove the chicken and let sit on scott towels and shake again. Then fry in an iron skillet. Sometimes I deep fry for the color and bake 350 for 1 hr to finish. I am glad I found your recipes!! Thanks
Kathy S
Sweet Basil,
You said that if we had a recipe that we wanted to share that we could send it to you. My fried chicken recipe is like a hit and miss. The one that I got from my grandmother, she never measured anything as far as the seasoning. So I had to come up with my own measuring for it. I little dab of this, little dab of that, and if I like the chicken, then what is what I fixed. How would you write out a recipe with the measurements on something like that?
JRB
I like that your recipe has room to add seasonings of choice. I have been cooking for 40 years and I’m still trying and learning new things.I will be trying your recipe soon.Thanks for posting it!
On another note,I would like to commend you on how graceful and polite you respond to some of your not so graceful and polite comments….just like a true southern gal should!
Sweet Basil
I wish I had 40 years of experience behind me. I bet you have a ton you could teach me! Feel free to email me a good recipe any time!
And thank you for the compliment. I really do try to keep things positive and kind. I hope I never let myself down about that.
JRB
I like that your recipe is simple and has room for adding any seasoning of choice. I have been cooking for 40 years and I’m still trying and learning new recipes all the time! I will be trying your recipe soon. Thanks so much for posting.
On another note,I would like to commend you on how graceful and polite you respond to some of your not so graceful and polite comments….just like a true southern gal should!
Kathy S
To Amber, I don’t know what part of the south you are from, if you ARE from the south, but my grandmother was born and raised in Waycross, GA. SHE was taught to dredge her chicken in egg first, and it was handed down to her from Her grandmother which was also born and raised in Georgia. This recipe that I use, you dredge your chicken in egg first,(bone in or boneless, doesn’t matter which you use) and then put into the flour. It was just the spices that I was question about. I use my own spices for my SOUTHERN chicken and fry in a cast iron skillet. Sometimes I cook mine in a deep fat fryer and it turns out juicier than pan frying. it. My dad was born and raised in NJ and said his mother never dredge hers in egg but milk. He loved the southern way better.
Sweet Basil
Kathy, I wish I could spend more time in the south and just sample all of these different ways to cook. You are so lucky to have all of that deliciousness in your family!
Amber
While the salt brine and seasonings are on point, as a Southern cook, I have to say that this is not really authentic Southern fried chicken at all.
No self-respecting Southern cook would ever fry chicken with anything but bone-in pieces of chicken. Also, in the South, we do not dredge our chicken in egg before flouring. In fact, it’s pretty much unheard of. We simply remove the chicken from the brine, shake off the excess water, and place it in a brown paper bag with plenty of seasoned flour. Shake until it’s thoroughly coated and fry on ONLY a cast iron skillet.
I’m not knocking your recipe in the least, it sounds delicious, but unfortunately, there is very little about it that can be called Southern style.
Sweet Basil
Thanks for the feedback, Amber. I guess it all just depends on where you’re from. My husband is from South Carolina and loves it and totally considers it authentic. I’m sure every southern family has their method. This one is for a double dipping so there has to be an egg to help the second dip stick. I totally agree about the cast iron pan though. I get slammed with too many comments when I only put that since so many people seem to not own a cast iron. Which is pure craziness! Cast irons are the best to cook in! I’ll have to put it just for authenticity sometime. I’d love to try your recipe sometime. 🙂
Ed L.
I use an iron Dutch oven for my chicken frying. The tall sides keep the splatter to a minimum and it’s a lot safer than a short-sided skillet. I hang a candy thermometer on the side and add only an inch or so of oil. When the thermometer reads 350° I’m ready to go.
Sweet Basil
Great tips! Thank you!
Baltisaul
Many award winning Southern chefs use egg wash. Just because you don’t use this method does not exclude it from being Southern. My wife and I have had Southern fried Chicken in about every State. We agree, the best Southern fried chicken we ever tasted was in Saratoga Springs, NY. It has nothing to do where you were born or where you live. And yes, we live in the Deep South!
Sweet Basil
Oh, NY huh? I wish I could head out there to try it!
Peter @ Feed Your Soul Too
Nothing more Southern than fried chicken. I featured it on my Friday Five – Southern addition over @ Feed Your Soul Too – https://www.feedyoursoul2.com/2013/08/friday-five-southern-addition.html
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much!!
Cecilia
I made this for dinner tonight and it was amazing! We ALL loved it! Yummy, yummy chicken!
ELIZABETH BUCHANAN
The recipe sounds great my mom was from Little Rock Arkansa she seasoned her chicken then put in a brown bag filled with flour then put in a cast iron skillet filled with oil always was crispy juicy!
Sweet Basil
Yum! Sounds perfect!
Gary Moore
My Grandmother put her chicken in buttermilk and salt over night. It helps breakdown any tuff chicken pieces and tastes out of this world, sweet and juicy!
Kowthy
I really don’t see how this can be better than KFC. There is no seasoning in this and seems to me to be tastless. I have been cooking for 40 yrs and have never seen such a more plane recipe than this for fried chicken.
Sweet Basil
Hi Kowthy, I bet you have a ton of wonderful recipes if you’ve been cooking for so long. Please feel free to share any favorites 😉 Maybe you missed it, but the chicken actually sits in a salt bath which helps to tenderize and flavor the actual meat, then the flour has salt and pepper and season salt is all over the finished product. It’s wonderful and if my southern husband loves it I’m sure you will too. Have a good day!
Eileen Blair
Looks good but can’t believe it would taste that good without some seasoning.
midnightangel6660
I put mine on a rack in a low oven 200 degres that way the crust stays crunchy
while iam cooking the rest of it a trick i learned in tennessee
Sweet Basil
That’s a great tip!
Maria
Oh my goodness this chicken looks absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!
Angie | Big Bear’s Wife
Southern Fried Chicken is amazing isn’t it! Yours looks wonderful!
Nutmeg Nanny
Can’t go wrong with fried chicken! This looks perfect 🙂
Heidi @foodiecrush
I’m always afraid to attempt fried chicken at home, but I had an AMAZING version in Memphis that rocked my socks so I’m ready to give it a go. This looks awesome.
Alycia
Thank you for the opportunity!
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious
Seriously, come on who doesn’t like fried chicken??? No hands, see everyone loves fried chicken! Please send me some of this!
Sweet Basil
Come have some when you’re in town!
angel
Made this tonight and It’s gotta be the best fried chicken I made.. and so basic. Everyone loved it!
Sweet Basil
My dear, I have had the craziest day and your sweet comment totally just made my night. MWAH!!!!
Ashleigh
I so totally love your blog! I will be reading it at work and writing down recipes! I am so glad that I actually go the chance to enter into this giveaway, I always see that your giving stuff away but never get the chance to do it.. Oh by the way I made the cookies and cream brownies the other day and it was devoured almost immediately!
cquek
OMG I love this!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
Fantastic chicken. I’m sure it’s so much better than KFC.
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
This looks delicious! Must. Make. Soon.
Sweet Basil
and if you’re smart you’ll slap it on a donut 😉
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance
My boyfriend has already requested that I make this for him!
Sweet Basil
YAY!! I’m so glad. Lmk what you think!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
Carrian, this chicken looks outrageously good! It’s one of my favorite comfort foods and your killer recipe and photos are making me yeaarrrnnn for an indulgence!
Sweet Basil
That seriously makes my day. Thank you!!
Annalise @ Completely Delicious
Holy yum! Will you bring me some for dinner??
Sweet Basil
ok, Annalise I so miss you. When can we meet up? Next week work?
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
This looks crazy goooooood!
Rocky Mountain Woman
maybe I need this for lunch…..
steph@stephsbitebybite
Can I come over for dinner?!
Jackie {Domestic Fits}
Is there anything better than fried chicken? So good. (And I’m almost out of that Real Salt you gave me, I need more!)
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch
The crust on your fried chicken looks fried to perfection!!! Of course since I’m southern, I love me some fried chicken!!!
Des @ Life’s Ambrosia
YES! I have been waiting for this ever since you posted the doughnuts. Ohhhh man do I love me some fried chicken.
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
Now, this is some delicious looking chicken! Dang girl! And thanks for the link love!
Cathy Pollak ~ Noble Pig
Holy wow, that chicken and what an amazing giveaway!! Fun!
Deborah
So – my husband still loves KFC and when he gets to choose where we go to eat, that’s what he usually chooses. But I totally am going to make this for him because I know it’s got to be so much better!!
Sweet Basil
it’s waaaaay better. I cross my heart promise! I do like KFC’s biscuits though 😉
Tieghan
Yes! These look so perfect it is insane. I am gonna go a head and call you a master fryer. Those chicken looks perfectly cooked! YUM!
Sweet Basil
ohhhh I like that!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
WOW! I am so impressed! I have never tried making homemade fried chicken before, but this looks amazing!
Sweet Basil
it’s so easy! Do it! You’ll totally have to run it off later with all of that fried goodness, but it’s worth it
Marie @ Little Kitchie
This looks absolutely incredible! Want!!
Sweet Basil
thanks, Marie!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
Oh my goooooodnesss!! This looks just like juicy fried chicken perfection right there!!!!! I WAAAAANT
Sweet Basil
thank you!! I seriously love this chicken!
Karly
Oh, hello, beautiful chicken. Why yes, I would like to take a big bite out of you.
Sweet Basil
yeah, get it girl 😉
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite
Oh my gosh this chicken is speaking to me. It’s juicy looking and I love a good breaded crust.
Sweet Basil
It spoke to me multiple times which is why I need a good workout today! yeash!