Paula Deen Southern Fried Chicken

Paula Deen’s Southern Fried Chicken brings the bold flavors of the South to your table with a hot sauce egg wash, seasoned flour coating, and juicy interior. Crispy, golden, and full of comfort, it’s an easy-to-follow recipe ideal for weeknight dinners or Sunday suppers.

Prep time

15 minutes

Cook time

25 minutes

Total time

40 minutes

Yield

4 servings

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces

4 eggs

1/3 cup water

1 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce

1 1/2 tsp salt (divided)

1 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

1/4 tsp garlic powder

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

Peanut oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat peanut oil in a deep pot to 350°F.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk eggs, water, and hot sauce. Pour mixture into a large zip-top bag.
3. Step 3: Combine 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl for seasoning.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
5. Step 5: Dry chicken thoroughly with paper towels and cut larger breasts in half.
6. Step 6: Season chicken pieces generously on both sides with the prepared seasoning.
7. Step 7: Place chicken into the egg mixture bag, seal, and coat thoroughly.
8. Step 8: Roll each piece in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
9. Step 9: Fry a few pieces at a time until golden and crisp about 10 minutes for white meat and 14 minutes for dark meat.
10. Step 10: Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Notes

For extra crunch, don’t crowd the pan.

Peanut oil is key for crispiness.

Avoid covering while resting to preserve texture.