Name: Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in (skin-on chicken thighs); 4 drumsticks (or mix of thighs and breasts); 2 cups buttermilk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); Vegetable oil (for deep frying (about 3-4 cups depending on pan size))

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This Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe is a timeless comfort food loved for its golden, crunchy exterior and juicy, flavorful meat. This Golden Crunchy Chicken is perfectly seasoned and fried to crisp perfection, delivering a homemade version that’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

This Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe is a standout Golden Crunchy Chicken:

Restaurant-Quality: Crunchy coating with juicy, tender meat.
Customizable Heat: Make it mild or spicy to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for picnics, dinners, or gatherings.
Simple Prep: Easy steps for a professional result at home.
I served this at a family barbecue, and it was the ultimate Golden Crunchy Chicken hit!

Ingredients for Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need for Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe (serves 4–6):

For the Marinade:
- 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, wings)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, whisked
For Frying:
- Vegetable, peanut, or canola oil (enough for 2 inches in skillet)

Ingredient Tips:

Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken; substitute with milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Cornstarch: Key for extra crunch in the coating.
Oil: Choose a high smoke point oil for safe frying.
Chicken: Bone-in pieces stay juicier; adjust for boneless if preferred.
Equipment: Deep skillet or Dutch oven, thermometer, wire rack.

Directions for Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

Let’s make this delicious Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe!

Marinate Chicken

In a large bowl, I combine 3 lbs chicken pieces with 2 cups buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
I cover and refrigerate for 4 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and flavor the chicken for a perfect Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe.

Prepare Coating

In a shallow bowl, I mix 1½ cups flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne (if using), 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
In another bowl, I whisk 2 eggs.

Bread Chicken

I remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
I dip each piece into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and back into the flour mixture, pressing firmly for a thick coating.
I place breaded pieces on a tray to rest for 10 minutes to set the crust.

Fry Chicken

I heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
I fry the chicken in batches, avoiding crowding, for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
I drain on a wire rack or paper towels for the ultimate Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe.

Serve

I let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving hot with your favorite sides.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour (excluding marination)
Servings: 4–6
Calories: ~600 kcal per serving (2 pieces)
Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 40g protein, 35g fat, 2g fiber

Variations for Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

Try these twists on Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe:

Spicy Kick: Add 1 tbsp hot sauce to the marinade and extra cayenne to the coating.
Southern Classic: Mix 1 tsp sugar and 1 tbsp hot sauce into the buttermilk.
Herb Blend: Add 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano to the flour mixture.
Boneless Bites: Use chicken tenders, frying for 6–8 minutes.
Oven-Baked: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, spraying with oil.

Storage

I store Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and keep crisp, I use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes. I avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy coating. For freezing, I wrap pieces individually and store for up to 2 months, reheating from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.

Serving Ideas

Make your Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe a star Golden Crunchy Chicken:

Classic: Serve as Golden Crunchy Chicken with mashed potatoes and coleslaw.
Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or drizzle with hot honey.
Pairing: Enjoy with cornbread, macaroni salad, or green beans.
Presentation: Arrange on a rustic platter for a cozy, inviting look.
Occasion: Ideal for picnics, family dinners, or game-day feasts.

FAQs

What’s the secret to extra crispy fried chicken?
A mix of flour and cornstarch creates a crunchier coating, and resting the breaded chicken helps set the crust.

Can I skip the buttermilk marinade?
Buttermilk tenderizes and flavors the chicken, but you can use milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or plain yogurt instead.

How do I know the oil is hot enough?
Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F; without one, test with a bread piece—it should sizzle and brown in about 60 seconds.

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless pieces cook faster and are easier to eat, but bone-in chicken stays juicier.

Why does my coating fall off during frying?
Press the coating firmly onto the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.

What’s the best oil for frying chicken?
Neutral oils with high smoke points, like vegetable, peanut, or canola, work best.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch, ensuring all spices are gluten-free.

How do I keep fried chicken warm and crispy for serving?
Place pieces on a wire rack in a 200°F oven while frying the rest.

Can I reuse the frying oil?
Yes, strain and store in a cool, dark place; reuse a few times before discarding.

Is it okay to fry cold chicken straight from the fridge?
Let chicken sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes for even cooking.

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Conclusion

This Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its golden, crunchy crust and tender, juicy meat. Perfect for casual dinners or special gatherings, this Golden Crunchy Chicken is the kind of dish that always brings comfort and satisfaction. With a little prep and a lot of flavor, this fried chicken will become a go-to in your recipe collection.