Mrs. Clay’s Classic Fried Chicken with House Seasoning

A start-to-finish, old-fashioned method

There’s something deeply comforting about a plate of well-made fried chicken — crisp on the outside, tender inside, and seasoned just right. This recipe walks you through the entire process from making a simple house seasoning to frying golden chicken with a sturdy, crunchy crust.

This is unfussy, reliable cooking. The kind you make when you want dinner to feel steady and familiar.

🍲 What Makes This Chicken Special

This recipe focuses on balance:

  • Savory, peppery seasoning
  • A clean, golden crust
  • No sweetness
  • No heavy herbs
  • Just straightforward Southern-style comfort

The seasoning is layered — used in the flour and again after frying — which gives the chicken depth without overwhelming it.

Step-by-Step with Mrs. Clay

From seasoning jar to supper table

Step 1: Make the House Seasoning

Mix together and store in an airtight jar:

  • 2½ tablespoons paprika (regular, not smoked)
  • 1½ tablespoons seasoned salt
  • 2 teaspoons celery salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1½ teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • ¾ teaspoon MSG (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional, very light)

This seasoning works beautifully on chicken and French fries.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Use:

  • Chicken tenders
  • Boneless breasts cut into strips
  • Or bone-in pieces

Lightly salt the chicken and rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Season the Flour

In a shallow bowl, combine:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons house seasoning

Dredge the chicken thoroughly and let it rest 5–10 minutes before frying.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat peanut oil (or soybean oil) to 350–360°F.

Fry in small batches until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

Remove and immediately sprinkle lightly with additional seasoning while hot.

🌸 Mrs. Clay’s Tip
Seasoning after frying is what gives fried chicken its signature finish. Use a light hand.

Step 5: Serve

Serve with:

  • French fries seasoned while hot
  • Simple slaw or white bread
  • Any sides that keep the focus on the chicken

This is a meal that doesn’t need embellishment.

✨ A Thought to Close the Day

Good recipes don’t need explaining. They simply work — again and again — and earn their place in your kitchen over time.

From My Recipe Box to Yours

Mrs. Clay’s Classic Fried Chicken

Ingredients

  • Chicken pieces or tenders
  • Salt
  • Peanut oil, for frying

House Seasoning

  • 2½ tbsp paprika
  • 1½ tbsp seasoned salt
  • 2 tsp celery salt
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • ¾ tsp MSG (optional)
  • ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)

For Dredging

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp seasoning

Instructions

  1. Lightly salt chicken and rest 15 minutes.
  2. Mix seasoning and reserve.
  3. Combine flour and seasoning.
  4. Dredge chicken and rest 5–10 minutes.
  5. Fry at 350–360°F until golden and cooked through.
  6. Sprinkle lightly with seasoning while hot.

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