Description
This Crispy Fried Chicken recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a golden, crunchy coating. Perfect for family dinners or picnics, it’s seasoned to perfection and fried until irresistibly crisp.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Place coated pieces on a wire rack and let them sit for 10–15 minutes to set the crust.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, for 12–15 minutes (drumsticks and thighs) or 8–10 minutes (wings and breasts), until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping the chicken back into the buttermilk and flour mixture a second time.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature; dropping too low will result in greasy chicken.
- Season the flour generously; it’s the key to flavorful fried chicken.
- Serve with coleslaw, biscuits, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (average)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: crispy fried chicken, southern fried chicken, buttermilk chicken, golden fried chicken recipe