Nick, a Southern-born chef who brought his culinary roots to California, crafted a fried chicken recipe that rivaled the best. Every Sunday, his Sacramento garden provided the fresh herbs that infused his golden, crispy masterpiece with bold flavors. Marinated in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour mix, and fried to perfection, this dish became a family tradition, drawing loved ones to the table with its irresistible aroma.
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Nick’s Southern Fried Chicken
A legendary Southern-style fried chicken, perfected with a blend of homegrown herbs and spices, a rich buttermilk marinade, and a crispy cornmeal coating.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Entrees
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Herb and Spice Blend:
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and the herb and spice blend.
- Heat vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
- Remove the chicken and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the Southern magic!