Southern-Style Chicken: A Crispy and Flavorful Delight

Southern-style chicken is a beloved dish known for its crispy coating and juicy, flavorful meat. This recipe takes the classic southern fried chicken and adapts it for the air fryer, providing a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. With a coating made from Ritz crackers and a blend of savory spices, this chicken is sure to become a family favorite. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to make this delicious dish, provide tips for achieving the perfect crisp, and answer some common questions about southern-style chicken.

Ingredients

• 3 cups of Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 teaspoons of parsley
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/3 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/3 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 pounds of broiler/fryer chicken, cut up
• Oil spray, for greasing

Directions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for a few minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the chicken.
2. Prepare the Coating:
   • In a large bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, parsley, garlic salt, paprika, pepper, ground cumin, and rubbed sage. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash:
   • In a separate bowl, beat the egg. This will be used to help the cracker mixture adhere to the chicken.
4. Coat the Chicken:
   • Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll the chicken in the cracker mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure an even coating.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
   • Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the greased air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
6. Cook the Chicken:
   • Cook the chicken at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 14-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) and the juices run clear.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once cooked, serve the southern-style chicken hot, paired with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 3
• Calories: 1084
• Total Fat: 39.6g (51% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 9.9g (49% DV)
• Cholesterol: 380mg (127% DV)
• Sodium: 1273mg (55% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 65.8g (24% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% DV)
• Total Sugars: 8.9g
• Protein: 107.2g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the meaning of southern-style chicken?

Southern-style chicken refers to chicken that is prepared using traditional southern cooking techniques, typically involving a seasoned coating and deep frying. The hallmark of southern-style chicken is its crispy exterior and juicy interior, achieved through a combination of breading and frying.

2. How is Southern fried chicken different?

Southern fried chicken is distinguished by its use of a seasoned flour or breading mixture and a method of frying that results in a crispy, flavorful crust. The spices and herbs used in the coating can vary, but they often include paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, giving the chicken its distinctive taste.

3. Is southern-style chicken spicy?

Southern-style chicken can be spicy, but it doesn't have to be. The level of spiciness depends on the seasonings used in the coating. While some recipes may include cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a kick, others focus on a more savory and aromatic flavor profile.

4. Why is it called Southern fried chicken?

The term "Southern fried chicken" originated in the Southern United States, where this style of cooking chicken became popular. The method of frying chicken in a seasoned coating is deeply rooted in Southern culinary traditions and has become synonymous with Southern cuisine.

Tips for Perfect Southern-Style Chicken

1. Choosing the Right Chicken:

• Use broiler/fryer chicken for the best results. These chickens are younger and more tender, making them ideal for frying.

2. Crushing the Crackers:

• Crush the Ritz crackers finely to ensure an even coating. You can use a food processor or place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

3. Seasoning the Coating:

• Feel free to adjust the spices in the cracker mixture to suit your taste. Adding a bit of cayenne pepper can give the chicken a spicy kick if desired.

4. Greasing the Basket:

• Lightly greasing the air fryer basket with oil spray helps prevent the chicken from sticking and promotes even browning.

5. Checking for Doneness:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) to ensure it is fully cooked.

Southern-Style Chicken

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 3 people

Calories 1084 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups of Ritz cracker
• 2 teaspoons of parsley
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/3 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/3 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 1 large egg beaten
• 3 pounds of broiler/fryer chicken cut up
• Oil spray for greasing

Instructions

 

• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for a few minutes
• Take a bowl and all the first 7 ingredients and mix well.
• Crack the egg in a separate bowl
• First, dip the chicken in egg, then in the cracker mixture, and coat it finely.
• Put the chicken in a single layer inside the oil greased fryer basket.
• Cook 14 -20 minutes.
• Cook until juices run clear
• Enjoy.

Notes

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3
Amount per serving
Calories 1084
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 39.6g 51%
Saturated Fat 9.9g 49%
Cholesterol 380mg 127%
Sodium 1273mg 55%
Total Carbohydrate 65.8g 24%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 8.9g
Protein 107.2g

Keyword Southern-Style Chicken

Variations and Serving Suggestions

1. Southern-Style Chicken Recipe:

• Stick to the classic recipe for an authentic Southern experience. Serve with traditional sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, or biscuits.

2. Southern Fried Chicken Seasoning Recipe:

• Create your own seasoning blend by experimenting with different herbs and spices. Common additions include thyme, basil, and onion powder.

3. Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe:

• For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the chicken in the egg and cracker mixture. This creates a thicker crust that stays crunchy even after cooking.

4. Buttermilk Fried Chicken:

• Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before coating and frying. This tenderizes the meat and adds a tangy flavor.

5. Southern Fried Chicken Breast Recipe:

• Use boneless chicken breasts for a quicker cooking time. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

6. Easy Fried Chicken Marinade:

• Marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices for added flavor and moisture.

7. KFC Fried Chicken Marinade Recipe:

• Recreate the famous KFC flavor by using a blend of 11 herbs and spices in the coating.

8. Old Fashioned Southern Style Chicken:

• Stick to traditional ingredients and cooking methods for a nostalgic taste of the South.

9. Southern Fried Chicken Recipe KFC:

• Try replicating KFC’s iconic fried chicken by using a similar seasoning blend and cooking technique.

10. Southern Style Chicken Thighs:

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result. Thighs have a higher fat content, which helps keep the meat moist during cooking.

Conclusion

Southern-style chicken is a timeless dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. By adapting the recipe for the air fryer, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of traditional southern fried chicken with less oil and fewer calories. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Experiment with different seasonings and sides to make it your own, and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of Southern-style chicken.