Today my oldest took a family poll to see who all wanted me to cook fried chicken. Needless to say the vote was unanimous because here we are and this mama felt complete gratitude that my family loves my chicken.

And since I’m in such a good mood, I thought I should share my family-voted dinner recipe for some southern fried chicken. I say “southern” because I’m from the South and down here we just cook a little differently. Maybe not made for your health, but definitely made for your soul.

To start one of key components to this recipe is the seasoning:

Not only do we want to season the chicken but we’re seasoning the flour too. Start off by combing all the seasoning together so that you can evenly distribute later on both chicken and flour. The following seasonings will be needed:

• 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp allspice

You can always mix your seasonings in advance or in bulk and store them for up to 2 months.

Step by step:

Start by heating 3 cups of oil in cast iron. I use a cast iron, but it is completely optional. If you have a fryer, that can be used as well. Make sure to heat frying temperature to 325°F. While the oil is heating up, mix half of the seasoning into dredging flour. Then set flour aside.

Using the rest of the reserved mixture, season the chicken and add in mustard. Mix until all chicken pieces are evenly coated. Toss chicken in seasoned flour. Once chicken is coated, drop chicken pieces into the cast iron to fry.

Let chicken cook for 5-8 minutes then turn allow reserve side to cook for the same time. Remove chicken once internal temperature is 165 degrees or when they are golden brown on both sides. Fry chicken pieces in sections making sure to not overcrowd cast iron.

Remove chicken from cast iron and rest on cooking rack for 3-5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

What to serve with:

I love to serve my friend chicken with cornbread and some greens. The kids love to eat it with mac n cheese. Fried chicken can be paired with your favorite sides!