Finger-Lickin’ Good: Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken Recipe
Southern cuisine is known for its bold and comforting flavors. Among these dishes, fried chicken stands out as a staple in the Southern cuisine repertoire. In this recipe, we’ll be taking our classic Southern fried chicken to the next level by adding some tangy barbecue sauce. Get ready to make your taste buds dance with joy. This recipe will be sure to have you and your loved ones licking your fingers until the last bite.
Fried barbecue chicken is a delicious soul food that’s perfect for any occasion – from picnics to potlucks or even a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a fan of crispy fried chicken or tangy barbecue sauce, this recipe combines the two in the most mouthwatering way possible.
It’s time to dust off that apron and get cooking. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, and I promise it’ll give you that crispy exterior with moist and juicy meat that you’ve been looking for.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the ingredients and how-to instructions for this finger-licking good Southern fried barbecue chicken recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old bland chicken recipes? Look no further than this Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken recipe! This dish combines the best of two worlds: the crispy texture of classic fried chicken and the tangy flavor of delicious barbecue sauce.
As a chef specializing in Southern-style cuisine, I’ve found that this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. Every bite packs a punch of flavor that will leave your taste buds singing. The perfect combination of spices, including onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper, will have you coming back for seconds.
But what sets this recipe apart is its versatility. It works just as well with boneless chicken wings as it does with crispy fried chicken thighs. The Southern buttermilk coating imparts an unbeatable flavor, while the bbq sauce gives it a unique kick.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about slaving over the stove all day long. In just 20 minutes of frying time, you’ll have a piping hot plate of soul food ready to go. So gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a Southern-style feast with this delectable fried barbecue chicken recipe. Trust me, it’ll quickly become a staple in your household!
Ingredient List
Before we start with the recipe, here are the ingredient list that you’ll need to prepare:
For the BBQ sauce:
- 2 cups of your preferred BBQ sauce
For the chicken marinade:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup of buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the breading:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of garlic salt
- 3 tablespoons of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
For dipping:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of milk
That’s it! Be sure to have all these ingredients ready before proceeding with the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
First, heat your oven to 400°. Start by taking a medium bowl and mix 1 cup of flour, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 2 tablespoons of onion powder, 3 tablespoons of garlic salt, and 3 tablespoons of paprika together. In another medium bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of water. Next, place your chicken pieces in a large dish or container and season them with a mixture of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Then start coating your seasoned chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess before dipping it into the egg and milk mixture. Repeat this process to double coat everything except for boneless chicken wings. Dip boneless chicken wings only once in the flour mixture before frying them.
Afterward, place your coated chicken on a plate and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to set the coating. While waiting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Make sure it’s hot enough by dropping a small amount of flour mixture into the oil: if it bubbles immediately, you’re good to go.
Carefully add your chicken pieces to the skillet but avoid overcrowding them as this will affect cooking time and result in soggy fried chicken. Fry each side for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re crispy and golden brown. After that, use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer your chicken onto a clean plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Barbequing the Chicken
You can make Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken by tossing your fried chicken in your favorite barbecue sauce after frying. But if you want a more traditional approach to barbecue chicken, you can grill or bake it with barbecue sauce.
Start by grilling or baking bone-in chicken breasts or thighs until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Glaze the chicken with your preferred barbecue sauce and continue cooking to caramelize the sauce a bit, for another 5-10 minutes.
Another option is oven-baked BBQ-Fried Chicken. You can try coating your fried chicken once again with your favorite barbecue sauce before baking it in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through, crisp, and golden brown.
Variations
If you’re looking for healthier alternatives or diet-friendly options, you can air-fry boneless chicken wings, seasoned chicken breasts or thighs in an air fryer. You can also try using honey BBQ sauce if you want a sweeter taste or crispy fried chicken that’s less greasy.
For a soul food-inspired meal, you can also try Buttermilk Fried BBQ Chicken – simply marinate your chicken in tangy buttermilk before dredging and frying it. Then serve it with collard greens or mac and cheese.
**Enjoying Your Southern Fried Barbecue
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken recipe. There are plenty of options for substitutions and variations to make it your own.
For a twist on the classic, try using boneless chicken wings or honey BBQ wings instead of chicken breasts. They’ll cook much faster, so keep an eye on them when frying.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it. Simply coat the chicken in the flour mixture and bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, then brush with your favorite barbecue sauce for a healthier yet still delicious baked BBQ fried chicken.
Want to add some more flavor? Experiment with different spices such as cumin or chili powder in place of onion powder and garlic salt. You can also add some heat by mixing in cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your barbecue sauce.
If you’re serving a crowd, try using chicken leg quarters or thighs instead of breasts. They have more flavor and are often more affordable. Cut up any extra chicken pieces into smaller strips or chunks to make sure they cook evenly.
Don’t forget about pairing! For a complete Southern-style meal, serve your fried barbecue chicken alongside coleslaw, mac and cheese, or collard greens. Short on time? Grab some pre-made sides from your local grocery store.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose, this Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken recipe is sure to please any crowd with its savory and tangy flavors of soul food that will make them beg for more!
Serving and Pairing
Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken is a classic dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks. The savory chicken can be served as an appetizer, main course, or picnic food. To make it a complete meal, you can serve it with classic southern sides such as collard greens, macaroni and cheese, or mashed potatoes. You can also add some color to the plate with some mixed green salad or roasted vegetables.
For a more casual meal, you can turn your Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken into sliders or sandwiches. Serve the crispy fried chicken topped with coleslaw or chopped lettuce and tomato slices for an extra kick of freshness.
When it comes to drinks, nothing beats an ice-cold beer on a hot summer day. A light beer like Pilsner or lager complements the spicy barbecue flavor of the chicken perfectly. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, reach for a glass of sweet tea or lemonade. The sweetness of the drink balances out the savory flavor of the chicken.
And there you have it – your perfect Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken meal! Whether you’re enjoying this dish during a family picnic or weekend dinner, it’s sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning ahead for a party or event serving Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken, you’re in luck because this recipe can be made in advance! To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions up until the point of frying. Instead, allow the chicken to cool at room temperature until it is no longer hot. Once cooled, store the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before frying it to crispy perfection.
For storing leftovers, it’s important to keep the chicken refrigerated in an airtight container. The best way to reheat your Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken is by using your oven! To reheat baked barbeque fried chicken, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
If you want to use an air fryer for reheating, that’s another great option! Simply preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket as this will lead to uneven heating and potentially burnt chicken.
Lastly, if you have any leftover barbecue sauce on hand, consider using it as a dipping sauce for your reheated Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken. The sweetness of the sauce pairs perfectly with the salty and crispy exterior of the chicken. Just be sure not to add too much sauce as this can cause soggy chicken that lacks crunchiness.
In conclusion, knowing how to make-ahead, store and reheat this recipe is key for convenience when hosting large events or enjoying leftovers throughout the week without sacrificing its crispy outer layer which is what makes it so irresistible.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking fried chicken can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you want to get it perfectly crispy and juicy. Here are some tips to make sure your Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken turns out exactly as it should:
1. Use a thermometer:
Using a thermometer is the perfect way to ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection. Overcooked chicken can become dry while undercooked chicken can be dangerous to eat.
2. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes:
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s important to let it rest before serving so that the juices can settle back into the meat.
3. Double dip:
If you want your Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken extra crispy, try double dipping the chicken in the flour mixture before frying.
4. Dry Chicken:
Make sure your chicken pieces are completely dry before coating them in flour, batter or breadcrumbs. Any excess moisture will prevent the breading from adhering and will result in soggy chicken.
5. Oil temperature:
Be sure to heat oil in a large skillet or dutch oven until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit on a deep-fry thermometer, which ensures that the heat remains constant for perfect crispy crusts and juicy interiors.
6. Marinade:
Marinade your chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for extra flavor and tenderness on every bite.
7. Rest before eating:
Remove from heat and let your Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving so all of those juices have time to redistribute throughout the meat and create maximum flavor.
With these tips, you’ll be sure to impress everyone with your crispy, juicy and delicious Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken!
FAQ
We know that when it comes to preparing new dishes, there are always questions or doubts. Therefore, in this section, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about our Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken Recipe. From techniques to ingredient substitutions, we have got you covered. So, let’s dive into the FAQ section and conquer any uncertainties you may have while preparing this mouth-watering dish!
What is the difference between fried chicken and Southern fried chicken?
Southern fried chicken is a popular dish made by coating chicken in seasoned flour or batter and fried using different techniques such as pan-fry, deep fry, pressure fry, or air fry. This technique results in a flavorful and juicy chicken with a crispy exterior that comes from the breading.
How to make Paula Deen’s fried chicken?
As a Southern-style chef, I’ve got a recipe for perfectly crispy fried chicken that will make your taste buds sing. To start with, let’s mix up some seasoning by combining herbs and spices in an airtight container. This mix will stay fresh for up to six months and add a flavorful kick to our chicken.
Next, it’s time to prepare the chicken. In a medium-sized bowl, I like to beat some eggs and water together to make an egg wash for our chicken. Then, in another bowl, mix up some all-purpose flour and black pepper. This combination will give our chicken a crispy and delicious coating when fried.
When our chicken is ready, it’s time to dip each piece into the egg wash and coat them well with the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid clumping.
Now for the frying. Heat up some oil in a deep pot until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to use a deep pot to avoid splatters and to ensure that each piece of chicken is fully submerged in the oil. Carefully add your chicken to the oil and fry until the coating is golden brown and crispy. This should take about 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
Once our chicken is golden brown and cooked through, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease. Add some salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy your deliciously crispy Southern-style fried chicken!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken Recipe is a must-try for any Southern cuisine lovers. It combines the classic flavors of barbecue sauce and fried chicken to create a mouthwatering dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more!
The recipe is easy to follow and comes with plenty of tips to help you achieve perfect results every time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a barbecue party, this dish will impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds.
I highly recommend trying out this recipe and putting your own spin on it by experimenting with different variations and substitutions. With its crispy coating, juicy chicken, and delicious barbecue flavor, this Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken Recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your cookbook.
So go ahead and give it a try – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Southern Fried Barbecue Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons black pepper, divided
- 3 tablespoons garlic salt, divided
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon mesquite powder
- 4 lbs chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- oil (for frying)
- nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, water, milk, 2 tbsp pepper and 2 tbsp garlic salt.
- In a flat pan mix remaining salt and pepper with the flour, onion powder, and mesquite seasoning.
- In a deep fryer or large skillet filled with oil, heat oil on medium-high heat to 365 degrees. D.
- Dip chicken in the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture. Repeat.
- Cook chicken in batches, browning on both sides.
- Then place browned chicken in a baking pan covered in non-stick cooking spray. Cover with barbecue sauce and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until done.