HAB Sauce Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

Aye HAB family, do you like comfort food? I do, I need comfort from all of the trauma the world provides 🌎, jk I'm ok (I'm not). I also like to feel the burn when I eat because the only real pleasure is pain 🌶️ ❤️🔥 🌶️. Southern Fried Chicken is my favorite go to when I need to light up my dopamine receptors, and this is how I make it.

Golden, crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, this fried chicken recipe is perfect on its own, or even better with your favorite HAB Sauce drizzled on top. David (HAB Sauce Creator) recommends the Scotch Bonnet Heirloom Tomato HAB Sauce with this recipe.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 3–4 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or wings; chicken breast also works great)
• 2 cups buttermilk (if you can, do not substitute for milk)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup (adjust for heat/flavor) of  Scotch Bonnet Heirloom Tomato HAB Sauce (or any HAB Sauce you love)

For the Breading

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

For Frying

• Vegetable, peanut, or canola oil

To Finish

• Your favorite HAB Sauce
• HAB Extra Spicy, Seaweed, or Peanut Chili Crisp (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate

Whisk together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and HAB Sauce.

Add the chicken, making sure every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and baking powder.

For an extra-craggy crust, drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of the buttermilk marinade into the flour mixture and toss lightly with your fingertips to create small clumps.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.

Press firmly into the flour mixture until completely coated. Let the breaded chicken rest on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick.

Step 4: Fry

Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet to 325°F (163°C).

Fry in batches without overcrowding the pan.

Approximate cook times:

• Wings: 8–10 minutes
• Drumsticks: 12–15 minutes
• Thighs: 14–16 minutes
• Breasts: 15–18 minutes

Cook until the crust is deep golden brown and the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Transfer to a wire rack to drain. Avoid paper towels, which can soften the crust.

HAB Sauce Pairings

Our go to for fried chicken: 

🏆 Scotch Bonnett Heirloom Tomato 

A subtle southern inspired sauce and one of our favorite tasting peppers, Scotch Bonnet.

Other great options:

Murder Mango Bulgarian

A sweet-and-spicy finish that's incredible with fried chicken sandwiches.

Smoked Gochugaru

Adds smoky depth without overpowering the crispy coating.

MSG'ZUS

A savory, umami-rich drizzle that tastes amazing on tenders and wings.

Imperial Fire Hot Mustard

Perfect as a dipping sauce or brushed over the chicken just before serving.

Spicy Sweet Soy Sauce

Perfect if you want to give your fried chicken an asian kick

Add Some Crunch

For the ultimate bite, spoon a little HAB Chili Crisps over the chicken just before serving.

• Extra Spicy Seaweed Chili Crisp for serious heat.
• Seaweed Chili Crisp for savory umami.
• Peanut Chili Crisp for rich, nutty crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Mac and cheese
• Cornbread
• Pickles

Leftovers also make incredible fried chicken sandwiches, wraps, and waffles-and-chicken breakfasts.

Pro Tip: Let the fried chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the crust crisp while allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor.

Come See us in person this weekend 💯

If you are in the Portland area, come try some amazing fried chicken with our Scotch Bonnet Heirloom Tomato HAB Sauce at the PDX Hot Sauce Expo this weekend (8/8 & 8/9) at the OMSI Bridge Lot. The event is from 10am to 6pm Saturday & Sunday. Come out and have a good time and say hello to the HAB Sauce team!

Event Includes: 

• Action Packed Wrestling
• 45 Hot Sauce Vendors bringing the heat (and samples)
• Food Trucks & Cold Drinks
• Kids 10 & under are FREE
• Dogs Welcome (Sorry Cats)
• VIP Tickets Available