Delicious Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to a recipe that is sure to earn you the best Southern cook title in your town: Southern Fried Chicken Crispers. It’s no secret that Southerners know how to cook, and this dish is a true reflection of that culinary prowess.
Imagine golden, crispy chicken strips that are seasoned with the perfect blend of spices and then dipped in a honey mustard sauce–the end result is a mouth-watering dish that will have you feeling like you’re in the heart of Dixie.
There’s something magical about fried food that invokes memories of backyard barbeques, family reunions, and Sunday dinners with loved ones. This recipe is no different–it has all the trappings of comfort food at its finest.
So, gather ’round, turn on some classic tunes by Elvis or Dolly Parton, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, I can tell you with certainty that you’ll fall head over heels in love with this Southern Fried Chicken Crispers recipe. The tender and juicy chicken strips coated in a crispy fried crust that’s nothing short of heavenly is a combination that simply melts in your mouth.
Now I know y’all are no strangers to fried chicken, but let me tell you, this recipe is not your ordinary fried chicken. This buttermilk fried chicken has a unique flavor that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the South, bringing back that down-home cooking feel.
What sets these chicken crispers apart is the irresistible blend of seasonings like garlic and chili powder, adding just the right amount of heat for those who like it spicy. The honey mustard sauce is finger-licking good as well, sweet with a tangy twist from the Dijon mustard.
An added bonus is that this recipe uses boneless skinless chicken breasts, which are leaner than traditional fried chicken. That means you can indulge in all the crispy goodness without the added guilt.
But don’t just take my word for it – try it out for yourself! Trust me when I say that one bite of these southern fried chicken crispers and you’ll be hooked for life.
Ingredient List
Let me tell you what you will need to make this Southern Fried Chicken Crispers Recipe. Make sure to get these ingredients from the nearest grocery store:
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or tenders
Chicken Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
Dredging Mixture:
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
The Frying Oil:
- Peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the fun part – making this Southern Fried Chicken Crispers Recipe!
Ingredients:
Here are the things you’ll need to get started:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips or tenders
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying
Step-by-step Instructions:
- To make the batter, whisk together the self-raising flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, mix together the buttermilk, beaten egg, and hot sauce until well combined.
- Add the chicken strips to the buttermilk mixture and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight if you want more flavorful chicken).
- In a large skillet or pot, pour enough vegetable oil or peanut oil to have about 2 inches of oil above the bottom of your pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (180°C).
- Working in batches, remove the chicken strips with a pair of tongs from the buttermilk mixture and let them drip off excess coating before placing them into the flour mixture. Coat the chicken generously with flour on all sides and shake off any excess flour.
- Carefully place each piece of coated chicken into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
- Repeat this process until all the chicken strips are cooked, adjusting the temperature of the oil as needed to maintain proper heat.
- Serve your Southern Fried Chicken Crispers hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Be sure to leave some room between each piece of chicken in the oil while frying, so they can cook evenly and have crispier texture.
- You can double coat the chicken by following steps 5 and 6 again after the first fry.
- For healthier option, you can use air fryer instead of frying in oil.
- Mix up your seasonings! Try adding chili powder or paprika to adjust the spice level, or toss your chicken with BBQ seasoning for a smoky flavor.
- Leftovers? Reheat fried chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Now that you’ve mastered this recipe, you should try some variations like buttermilk fried chicken, *ranch
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about how you can make this Southern Fried Chicken Crispers recipe your own. There are so many ways to customize this dish to suit your taste buds or dietary restrictions. Here are some substitutions and variations that you might like:
– Gluten-free: If you’re avoiding gluten, you can replace the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. Look for one that includes xanthan gum to help bind the mixture together.
– Dairy-free: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk. You can also use a vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise and sour cream.
– Baked chicken: If you prefer a healthier alternative to fried chicken, bake your chicken crispers in the oven instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chicken strips on the baking sheet and drizzle with some oil. Bake for around 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
– Spicy chicken: Add some heat to your chicken crispers by mixing some chili powder into the flour mixture or creating a spicy dipping sauce by adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the honey mustard sauce.
– Ranch chicken: Replace the honey mustard sauce with ranch dressing and sprinkle some ranch seasoning on the flour mixture.
– BBQ lime chicken: Mix some barbecue sauce and lime juice together for a tangy dipping sauce that pairs well with these crispy chicken strips.
Whether you’re looking for healthier alternatives or want to spice things up, there are endless ways to make this Southern Fried Chicken Crispers recipe your own. Try out different variations until you find your perfect combination!
Serving and Pairing
Well, well, y’all! Now that you have some delicious southern fried chicken crispers on your plate, let’s talk about how to serve and what to pair them with. This crispy fried chicken goes with just about anything, from creamy mashed potatoes to a fresh side salad – but I have a few personal favorites that I reckon you’ll love too.
First things first, make sure these chicken crispers are nice and hot. You want that crispy outer layer and juicy tender meat to be at their prime. Feel free to drizzle some honey mustard or hot sauce on top for an extra kick of flavor.
Now, let’s talk sides! A classic pairing for southern fried chicken is buttery corn on the cob or even some crispy french fries. But, if you’d like to add some greens to your plate, I recommend a refreshing cucumber salad or tangy coleslaw – the perfect cool contrast to the hot and crispy chicken.
If y’all want to elevate this dish and make it a true southern feast for your taste buds, try serving up some honey-drizzled biscuits or fluffy buttermilk biscuit rolls on the side. And, of course, every southern meal needs a sweet tea – or maybe even a glass of ice-cold lemonade.
So there you have it, my fellow food-lovers: the perfect way to serve and pair these mouth-watering southern fried chicken crispers. Whether you’re cooking for friends and family at a backyard barbecue or enjoying a solo dinner under the stars, this crispy Southern classic is sure to hit the spot.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Southern Fried Chicken Crispers, let’s talk about how to handle leftovers. This recipe is so delicious that you may find it hard to resist eating it all in one sitting! However, if you do manage to have some leftovers, there are several ways to store and reheat them.
To make ahead of time:
If you want to get a head start on your meal prep, you can marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture overnight. You can also dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day before frying. When you’re ready to cook, simply remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before frying.
To store leftovers:
If you have any leftover Southern Fried Chicken Crispers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep them crispy, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
To reheat:
You can also reheat Southern Fried Chicken Crispers in the microwave, but they will not be as crispy as they are fresh out of the fryer. Simply place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 30 seconds at a time until heated through.
If you’re short on time, consider reheating your leftover chicken in an air fryer. This will give your chicken a crispy texture that is similar to fresh out of the fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook your chicken for three to four minutes or until heated through.
Overall, Southern Fried Chicken Crispers are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer. However, with these storage and reheating tips, you can still enjoy them for days after cooking. Just remember to handle them with care so they retain their delicious crispy texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’ve got the recipe instructions down pat, it’s time to get some tips to ensure your Southern Fried Chicken Crispers come out perfect every time. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Firstly, make sure to marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture for at least four hours, or preferably overnight. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with extra flavor. If you’re short on time, aim for marinating it at least for two hours.
Secondly, don’t overcrowd the frying pan or pot when cooking the chicken tenders or strips. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil and cause inconsistent frying. Fry in batches if necessary.
Thirdly, have a thermometer on hand and use it to make sure your oil temperature stays at around 350°F (177°C). Any cooler and your chicken may become greasy or soggy.
Fourthly, let your cooked chicken cool on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This helps prevent any excess oil from causing sogginess and ensures a crispy texture.
Lastly, avoid flipping the chicken too frequently while cooking because it can cause the coating to fall off. Also, season the chicken with salt right after they come out of the fryer so that it adheres better.
Follow these tips and you will be guaranteed a platter full of crispy, succulent Southern Fried Chicken Crispers every time!
FAQ
Now that you know how to prepare this delicious southern-style fried chicken crispers recipe, it’s time to address some frequently asked questions to help you perfect your culinary skills. Keep reading for some helpful tips on substitutions, variations, and common cooking issues.
Why is Chili’s getting rid of chicken crispers?
According to a spokesperson for Chili’s, the removal of the Original Chicken Crispers from their menu was due to their efforts to simplify the menu.
Why does my breading fall off my buttermilk chicken?
To ensure a perfect golden crust, it’s essential to keep moisture at bay while frying chicken. Start by coating the chicken in flour and removing any excess. The flour serves as a moisture shield to prevent steam from forming and causing the breading to fall off.
Why use buttermilk for fried chicken?
Marinating chicken in buttermilk can be incredibly beneficial for making it tender and juicy. The acidity of the buttermilk can help break down the fibers in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Additionally, coating the chicken in buttermilk before dredging it in flour or other dry mix can help the chicken become crispy and flaky when it’s cooked.
What is a chicken crisper?
When it comes to this recipe for chicken tenders, you won’t be getting the typical crunchy exterior. Instead, the texture of the batter is more similar to a mix between tempura and fish and chips. The batter on the edges is smooth and light, while the fried batter itself has an incredibly light and crispy texture that is hard to resist snacking on as you cook.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this southern fried chicken crispers recipe is perfect for those craving a hearty, crispy meal bursting with flavor. Whether you prefer to dip your crispy chicken into honey mustard sauce or hot sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy all taste buds.
By following these detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations, you can make the perfect chicken crispers every time. These chicken tenders are great for any occasion – from a weeknight dinner to a backyard barbecue.
Don’t be afraid to try out some substitutions and variations to make this recipe your own. Maybe you want to add a BBQ lime twist or experiment with an air fryer version. The possibilities are endless!
But no matter how you choose to prepare your southern fried chicken crispers, one thing is certain – it will be deliciously crispy and satisfying. So go ahead and give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
Southern Fried Chicken Crispers Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 liter buttermilk
- 2 cups self raising flour
- salt and pepper, to season flour
- oil (for frying)
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Cut chicken in to long strips about an inch thick, put in a bowl, cover with buttermilk and soak over night.
- Mix all sauce ingredients together, put in the fridge and leave overnight as well.
- Next Day: Heat oil in skillet until a cube of bread browns straight away.
- Take each piece of chicken out of buttermilk, cover in seasoned flour and put into the hot oil, turning occasionally. Take out when golden brown and crispy. Normally this takes about 7 minutes. Try not to crowd the pan, do about 4 at a time.
- It depends on how many strips you cut the chicken into, or what you serve it with as to how many servings this will make.