Go Back
+ servings
4 from 1 vote
Fried Chicken in a parchment lined basket with red checkered napkin.
Basic Fried Chicken
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 
Fried Chicken is so delicious when it's prepared properly, and to do that, you just need a few tips. Grab your cast iron Dutch oven and let's get started.
Course: Entrées
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken
Servings: 4
Calories: 719 kcal
Author: The Blue Jean Chef, Meredith Laurence
Ingredients
  • 4 pound whole chicken cut into 8 pieces
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • hot sauce optional
  • cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 pound shortening
Instructions
  1. Cut the chicken into 8 pieces and then submerge them in the buttermilk (with a little hot sauce if desired). A zipper sealable plastic bag works well for this.
  2. Let the chicken soak in the buttermilk in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or even overnight.
  3. Mix the flour, salt and spices in another zipper sealable bag.
  4. Put four chicken pieces in the bag and shake around to coat. Remove from the bag, shaking off any excess flour, and let it rest on a cooling rack at room temperature. Repeat with the remaining four pieces of chicken.
  5. Heat the shortening in a 12-inch heavy bottomed sauté pan. Bring the shortening to about 350 ̊F. You can use a deep-frying or candy thermometer for this. Otherwise, just dip a part of one piece of chicken in the oil when you think it is ready-it should bubble rapidly around the chicken.
  6. Place the chicken pieces in the oil and cover with a lid. Reduce the heat slightly and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Then, remove the lid and flip the chicken pieces over. Cook for another 10 minutes uncovered. When the chicken is done, drain the chicken on a clean cooling rack and serve.

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts
Basic Fried Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 719 Calories from Fat 333
% Daily Value*
Fat 37g57%
Saturated Fat 11g55%
Cholesterol 176mg59%
Sodium 1443mg60%
Potassium 666mg19%
Carbohydrates 42g14%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 49g98%
Vitamin A 1410IU28%
Vitamin C 4.2mg5%
Calcium 169mg17%
Iron 4.4mg24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.