10/12/2026
Dip the chicken in buttermilk twice, that's where the extra crunch comes from. 🍗
A full dinner for 4: crispy chicken, garlic Parmesan fries, and creamy coleslaw, about 3 hours including the marinade.
A buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken juicy, a thick craggy coating gives it crunch, and a 10-minute rest on a wire rack gets it ready for the oil.
Yes, it's three dishes and at least 2 hours of marinating, BUT the marinating happens in the fridge and the fries bake in the oven.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Plate with Garlic Parmesan Fries and Coleslaw Recipe:
INGREDIENTS:
Chicken:
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Garlic Parmesan Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Creamy Coleslaw:
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp apple c***r vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
STEPS:
Chicken
1. Put the chicken in a large bowl, pour in the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using), and toss until every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight. Take it out 15 minutes before frying.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
3. Lift each piece out of the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to build a thick, craggy coating.
4. For extra crunch, dip the chicken briefly back into the buttermilk and coat with flour again.
5. Rest the coated chicken on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 325°F. Fry in batches for about 12–18 minutes, adjusting for piece size and keeping the oil around 300–325°F, until deeply golden and the thickest part reaches at least 165°F.
7. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
Fries
8. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Wash and peel the potatoes and cut them into thick, even fries. Soak in cold water for 20 minutes, then drain and pat completely dry with clean towels.
9. Toss with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Spread on two large baking sheets with space between the fries. Bake 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
10. While the fries bake, lightly sauté the minced garlic in a little olive oil until fragrant. Toss the hot fries with the garlic, Parmesan, and parsley.
Coleslaw
11. Finely shred the cabbage and grate the carrots into a large bowl.
12. In a separate bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
13. Pour over the cabbage and carrots, toss gently, and refrigerate 20 minutes.
Serve
14. Plate the chicken, fries, and coleslaw together, sprinkle parsley over the fries, and serve right away while the chicken is crunchy, the fries are hot, and the coleslaw is cool.
ONE TIP: Press the coating on firmly for a thick, craggy crust, and for extra crunch dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat it again.
⏱️ Prep: 25 min | Marinate: 2 hr | Cook: 40 min | Total: 3 hr 5 min | Serves: 4
🔥 ~980 calories | ~49g protein per serving
SAVE this for the weekend you want a full family dinner on one plate. 🍟
Drumstick or thigh, which piece do you grab first? 😍