Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe is a classic original recipe, easy to make and delicious. This recipe is made with a light buttermilk coating that makes the chicken extra moist and tender. This fried chicken has no additives or artificial ingredients, just pure southern goodness!
It is not your ordinary fried chicken; this is a “fowl” crusty outside with a juicy inside that you’ll want more. If you are looking for something out of this world, look no further than Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe.
Table of Contents
What Is Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe?
Willie Mae’s is the world-famous fried chicken recipe created in Greensboro, North Carolina, by Willie Mae Pliner’s great-great-grandmother, Willie Mae Parkins.
Before her death in 1994, Willie Mae handed down the recipe to her son. Willie Mae’s Chicken is now available worldwide in different varieties and sizes.

How to Prepare Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe?
Necessary Ingredients
- 4-5 medium chicken breasts or thighs (1.5 to 2 pounds each)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dredging
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- Vegetable oil or shortening for frying (about 2 quarts)
Procedure
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set it aside. Thoroughly whisk flour, garlic powder, pepper, paprika, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk in the buttermilk to form a thick paste.
Step 2:
Cut each chicken piece (breast or thigh) into three parts for 12 articles. If using chicken breasts, cut each breast in half lengthwise to make two thinner breasts. Working one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour while shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and then dredge it through the flour again. Place each dredged piece on a rack over an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat the process until all of the chicken is coated.
Step 3:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil (or shortening for a richer flavor) to a depth of about 1 inch. When the oil is hot but not smoking, carefully add just enough chicken to fill the pan without crowding it and fry until crisp, turning once. The outside should be dark brown or “golden” while the inside remains white and juicy. Drain on the paper towel-lined baking sheet. If you have leftover chicken, toss it in the oven for a few minutes to cook the remaining pieces and serve extra crispy.
Step 4:
Serve the fried chicken with honey, hot sauce, or fresh lemon wedges. Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe is the perfect combination of crispy and juicy. This southern fried chicken is great for any occasion; serve it for a family dinner, holiday meal, or party.
Tips:
Always rinse the flour before dredging and shake off any excess before dipping. Use a measuring cup or scoop to dredge. Don’t skip the step of breading and dipping in the buttermilk mixture. If you use hen tenders, leave the stage where you cut and dredge in the flour.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 pieces of fried chicken (about 2 pounds total)
Note: Above times are estimated and will vary depending on your cooking skills and the equipment used to make This Recipe.

Nutrition Facts Of Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Nutrition | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 486 |
Total Fat | 28 g |
Saturated Fat | 11 g |
Cholesterol | 101 mg |
Sodium | 1296 mg |
Carbohydrates | 31 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Protein | 31 g |
Sugar | 1 g |
Iron | 5.4 mg |
Note: Values are approximate and can vary due to natural variations in the ingredients.
05 Interesting Serving Ideas Of Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe
1. Servs As The Main Dish
This recipe makes a great main dish. Add two or three pieces of this fried chicken and some seasoned rice to a plate, and you have a delicious meal that’s good for you.
2. Use As Wraps
To make chicken wraps, spread some hummus or other dip on a whole wheat tortilla, add your favorite vegetable, and top with fried chicken strips or pieces for a delicious sandwich full of protein!
3. Sandwich
Serve it on a roll or as part of a sandwich. Combine the fried chicken strips with sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickles, and creamy mayo.
4. Chicken Salad
Mix chopped celery and onion with mayonnaise or Miracle Whip and a little of your favorite spicy hot sauce or Louisiana Hot Sauce (you’ll find them in the Asian section at most grocery stores) to make a delicious chicken salad that goes great on a sandwich!
5. Chicken Nuggets
Using whole wheat flour helps absorb all the yummy flavors of this recipe much better than white flour. Coat the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg washed and rolled it around in more flour.
Next, fry them in oil or shortening until browned on both sides and crispy on the outside. Serve with ketchup for dipping!
Is Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe Kids Friendly?
Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe is a great recipe for kids to make, but they will probably have to help with the coating part of the recipe. You could substitute whole wheat flour without affecting the taste that much.

Willie Mae’s fried chicken recipe Reddit
Willie Mae’s fried chicken recipe Reddit is an open forum to get suggestions created by user ‘couzen1’ for the Reddit community.
The recipe is a secret family recipe, and Willie Mae’s fried chicken recipe was not readily available to the public. The main purpose of this Reddit site is to give members a place to share recipes and reviews on this popular dish.
Willie Mae’s Scotch House cookbook
This recipe is the sole cookbook by William “Willie” Mae Parkins. The original recipe was handed down to Willie Mae’s father, who gave it to his children.
The Scotch House, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, was where Willie Mae had her last big event on Thanksgiving Day.
The Scotch House has been a famous restaurant for over a century and is one of Greensboro’s most popular spots for holiday dinners.
Conclusion
Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe is one of the most popular recipes in America. It is a secret recipe from the famous Willie Mae’s Scotch House restaurant.
Originating from New Orleans, this fried chicken recipe combines several different spices and seasonings with a blend of breading and buttermilk soak, creating a flavorful and juicy chicken dish. This delicious fried chicken recipe is perfect for dinner or parties.