Est. 2021 · Members in 40+ countries
Illustration of Southern Fried Chicken
American · Main

Southern Fried Chicken

Buttermilk-brined, crisp-crusted fried chicken.

Time
50 min
Serves
4
Skill
Medium
Heat
●●●
Diet
Non-vegetarian

Pairing at a glance

WineVeuve Clicquot Yellow LabelCleanse WineDr. Loosen Riesling KabinettContrast CocktailJapanese Whisky HighballCleanse

The pairing logic

Crunchy, salty fat loves bubbles and bright, sparkling drinks.

  • crispy
  • salty
  • fatty
  • spiced
What to pour

DRINK WITH THIS

Wine

Perfect matchCleanse Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne · non-vintage · 12.0% The classic fried chicken-and-Champagne combination. See the wine → Great matchContrast Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett Off-dry white · Mosel · 8.5% Crisp, slightly sweet and low in alcohol. See the wine →

Spirits

Great matchComplement Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Bourbon · 45.0% Vanilla-and-caramel bourbon pairs with spicy crust. See the spirit →

Cocktails

Great matchCleanse Japanese Whisky Highball Japanese Whisky Cold fizz resets the palate. See the cocktail → Great matchRegional Mint Julep Bourbon A Southern drink for a Southern dish. See the cocktail →

Rules used: Complement — Similar flavours that echo and support each other. Contrast — Opposites that balance: sweet against spicy, acid against rich. Cut — Tannin or acidity that slices through fat and richness. Echo — One shared flavour or ingredient links the plate and the glass. Cleanse — Bubbles, acidity or cold that refresh the palate between bites. Regional — What grows together goes together: same place, same table. Learn more →

The recipe

HOW TO MAKE IT

Ingredients · serves 4

Method · prep 30 min · cook 20 min

  1. 1

    Brine the chicken in buttermilk and salt for at least 4 hours.

  2. 2

    Season the flour with the spices and coat the chicken, pressing firmly.

  3. 3

    Fry at 170°C (340°F) for 12–15 minutes, turning, until deep golden and 74°C (165°F) inside.

  4. 4

    Rest on a rack and serve hot.

Cook’s tip

Do not crowd the pan; the oil temperature should stay steady.

MORE FOR THE TABLE

Non-veg American · Main Smoky BBQ Pork Ribs 200 min · ●●● Pescatarian Mediterranean · Main Grilled Sea Bass with Lemon and Herbs 22 min Non-veg Caribbean · Main Jamaican Jerk Chicken 65 min · ●●●

Please enjoy responsibly. Pairings are suggestions based on classic flavour principles, not rules. Check ingredients for allergies and cook meat and poultry thoroughly.