Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe: Golden Perfection Every Time

Crispy, golden fried chicken brings pure comfort to every meal, awakening memories of weekend gatherings.

Grandmothers across kitchens have perfected this classic dish through generations of love and careful technique.

Crackling skin and juicy meat create a magical combination that makes mouths water instantly.

Seasoned flour and precise oil temperature unlock the secret to achieving that irresistible crunch everyone craves.

Southern kitchens understand this culinary art form better than anywhere else in the world.

Marinating meat beforehand guarantees maximum flavor and tenderness that melts right off the bone.

You’ll want to master this recipe and become the neighborhood’s most celebrated home cook.

Dive into this delectable journey and transform your cooking skills with one unforgettable dish.

What Makes Crispy Fried Chicken So Crunchy

• Unlock Bold Flavors: This chicken recipe delivers a punch of taste with a perfectly seasoned flour mixture that guarantees maximum deliciousness in every bite.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Anyone can create restaurant-quality fried chicken with basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Crispy, golden-brown chicken brings instant joy to family dinners, game nights, and casual gatherings, satisfying both kids and adults with its irresistible crunch.
• Customize Your Craving: Easily adjust spices in the flour mixture to match your flavor preferences, from mild to spicy, ensuring the recipe adapts to your personal taste buds.

Ingredients for Crispy Fried Chicken

• Chicken: Fresh, bone-in pieces that provide the classic flavor and texture for traditional fried chicken.

• Buttermilk: Tangy liquid that tenderizes the chicken and helps create a moist interior.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Dry mixture that creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior with extra crunch.
• Paprika: Spice that adds a subtle warmth and beautiful reddish color to the coating.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral-flavored oil perfect for deep frying at high temperatures that ensures even cooking and crispy results.

How to Cook Crispy Fried Chicken Right

Step 1: Prepare Buttermilk Bath

Submerge chicken pieces completely in buttermilk, ensuring every surface gets covered. This magical bath will tenderize the meat and create a perfect base for the crispiest coating possible.

Let the chicken soak in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours or ideally overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating Mix

Combine your dry ingredients in a wide, shallow dish with some serious mixing action.

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly integrated and look like a delectable golden powder.

Step 3: Drain and Dredge Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk bath, allowing excess liquid to drip off.

Generously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even layer of crispy goodness will form during frying.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Select a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer.

Pour vegetable or peanut oil, creating a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat oil to a precise 350°F, using a cooking thermometer for accuracy.

The right temperature ensures crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.

Fry each batch for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Chicken is done when exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Rest and Drain

Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Let pieces rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing excess oil to drain and ensuring maximum crispiness.

The waiting helps retain that incredible crunch everyone loves.

Tips for Crispy Fried Chicken Success

• Let chicken soak in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight to ensure tender, juicy meat with enhanced flavor and softness.
• Mix cornstarch with flour for extra crispiness, creating a lighter, crunchier exterior that stays crisp longer after frying.
• Use a cooking thermometer to maintain oil at exactly 350F, preventing undercooked chicken or burned breading.
• Place fried chicken on paper towels to absorb excess oil, allowing the crispy coating to set and maintain its crunch.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch to maintain the same crispy texture for those with dietary restrictions.

Variations for Crispy Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Kick Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to flour mixture for those who love heat.
• Herb-Infused Coating: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into flour mixture for an aromatic herb profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute buttermilk with coconut milk or almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a non-dairy alternative.

Best Pairings for Crispy Fried Chicken

Tangy Coleslaw Companion – Fresh, creamy coleslaw cuts through the richness of fried chicken, providing a crisp and zesty contrast that refreshes the palate.

Bold Chardonnay – A buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay complements the crispy chicken’s deep flavors, balancing the dish’s saltiness with smooth, round notes.

Spicy Dill Pickles – Crunchy, tangy dill pickles add a sharp, acidic element that cuts through the fried chicken’s heaviness, creating a perfect flavor harmony.

Classic Iced Tea – A cold, sweet tea brings a traditional Southern touch, its sweetness and coolness perfectly offsetting the chicken’s spicy, crispy exterior.

Proper Storage for Crispy Fried Chicken

• Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the crispy coating intact.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to preserve for 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Restore crispiness by placing chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, bake at 375F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp.
• Use sparingly as it can soften the crust; reheat on a microwave-safe plate with a paper towel for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway.

FAQs

• What makes the buttermilk marinade so important?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat juicier and more flavorful while creating a perfect base for the crispy coating.

• Why add cornstarch to the flour mixture?

Cornstarch creates an extra crispy exterior by absorbing moisture and helping the coating become more crunchy and golden when fried.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a digital thermometer to check that the oil is exactly 350F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – it should sizzle and brown within 15 seconds.

Fried Chicken Recipe For Crunch

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden fried chicken delights palates with Southern-style perfection, promising irresistible crunch in every bite. Succulent meat and crackling exterior invite hungry souls to savor this classic comfort dish that sings with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 4 bone-in chicken drumsticks

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Liquid and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken pieces in buttermilk, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply for a minimum of 2 hours or ideally overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Create a seasoned coating by combining flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika in a wide, shallow dish, ensuring even distribution of spices.
3. Prepare a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, bringing vegetable oil to a precise temperature of 350°F (175°C), which guarantees optimal crispiness.
4. Gently remove chicken from buttermilk marinade, letting excess liquid drip off, then thoroughly dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to ensure a complete, even coating.
5. Carefully lower coated chicken into the hot oil, maintaining consistent temperature, and fry for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration.
6. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer, ensuring chicken is fully cooked.
7. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and allow residual heat to settle, enhancing crispiness and texture.
8. Allow chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving, which helps retain moisture and provides optimal eating experience.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the buttermilk marinade for extra depth.
• Ensure crispiness by double-dredging the chicken: first in flour, then back in buttermilk, and coat again with seasoned flour.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying out the meat.
• For gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornmeal for equally crunchy coating.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg