Nick’s Southern Picnic Fried Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Crispy, golden, and full of Southern flavor, this picnic-perfect fried chicken stays delicious even when served cold. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated with a boldly seasoned flour-cornmeal crust, each bite delivers satisfying crunch and juicy tenderness—ideal for backyard gatherings or packed picnic baskets.

Author: Don Nicholas
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6–8 1x
Category: Entrées

Ingredients

4 lbs. chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings)

2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)
Vegetable oil for frying

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken and let it marinate in the refrigerator at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, basil, and baking powder.
Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake off excess liquid. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure an even crust.
Fry to Perfection: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches, turning occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Cool and Pack for the Picnic: Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels, to maintain crispiness). Allow to cool completely before packing into an airtight container for the picnic basket.

Notes

Marinating Time preferably overnight

Find it online: https://foodgardening.mequoda.com/articles/the-cold-fried-chicken-feast-of-summer/