Homemade Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe: Juicy Inside, Crunchy Out

Crispy, golden-brown fried chicken always sparks joy at our dinner table.

Southern kitchens have perfected this delightful comfort classic over generations.

Juicy meat hidden beneath a crackling exterior makes everyone smile.

Carefully seasoned flour creates that magical crunch we all adore.

Each bite promises a satisfying blend of tender chicken and crisp coating.

Nothing beats the excitement of hearing that sizzle in the pan.

You’ll want to gather everyone around for this irresistible feast that celebrates simple, delicious cooking.

How To Make Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe At Home

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Infusion

• Buttermilk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Submerge chicken pieces completely in the mixture. Seal and let the flavors dance together in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum tastiness.

Step 2: Develop the Crispy Coating Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly in a wide, shallow dish to create the ultimate crispy armor.

Step 3: Transform Chicken into Crispy Perfection

Remove chicken from the buttermilk bath, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Generously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a complete and even coverage. For an extra-crunchy exterior, take an additional step: dip the floured chicken back into buttermilk, then roll again in the flour mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Sizzling Oil Bath

Select a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Pour in vegetable or peanut oil, ensuring enough depth to fully submerge the chicken. Heat the oil to a precise 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Use a cooking thermometer to guarantee the perfect temperature for golden, crispy results.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Gently lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. This ensures each piece gets beautifully crisp and golden. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to promote even cooking. The chicken is ready when it reaches a gorgeous golden-brown color and the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Step 6: Rest and Serve with Flair

Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes, letting the juices redistribute and the exterior remain wonderfully crisp. Serve immediately alongside your favorite Southern-style sides like creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or buttery biscuits.

Tips To Get Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe Just Right

• Master the Marinade: Let buttermilk work its magic by soaking chicken overnight, which tenderizes meat and infuses deep flavor throughout every bite.
• Double-Dredge for Crunch: Create an irresistibly crispy exterior by dipping chicken twice in buttermilk and seasoned flour, ensuring a golden, crunchy coating that locks in moisture.
• Temperature Control Matters: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, preventing greasy chicken and guaranteeing perfectly cooked, crisp pieces every time.
• Drain Smartly: Place freshly fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to preserve crispiness, allowing excess oil to drip away without making the crust soggy.
• Spice Customization: Adjust cayenne and black pepper levels to control heat intensity, making the recipe adaptable for mild or spicy preference without compromising the classic fried chicken experience.

How To Store Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe Correctly

• Refrigerate leftover crispy fried chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Store pieces separately to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and safety.
• Reheat chicken in the oven at 375F for best results, which helps restore the crispy exterior.
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soft and unappetizing.
• Freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags for up to 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
• Always check the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165F when reheating to ensure food safety.

Great Sides With Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

• Pair with Tangy Coleslaw: Crisp, creamy coleslaw cuts through the richness of fried chicken, balancing its heaviness with refreshing, zesty flavors.
• Complement with Buttermilk Biscuits: Soft, flaky biscuits soak up chicken's delicious juices, creating a perfect Southern-style comfort food combination.
• Match with Cold Beer: Hoppy, light lager or wheat beer helps cleanse the palate and provides a crisp contrast to the chicken's deep-fried crunch.
• Serve with Honey Drizzle: Sweet, golden honey adds a delightful touch when drizzled over hot chicken, enhancing its savory, spicy coating with a subtle sweetness.

New Ways To Try Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

• Buttermilk Ranch Chicken: Replace standard seasoning with ranch powder for a tangy, herb-infused coating that brings zesty farm-style flavor to your crispy chicken.
• Spicy Korean Chicken: Mix gochujang and sriracha into buttermilk marinade, adding Korean chili flakes to flour mixture for a fiery, bold kick that tingles taste buds.
• Herb Garden Crunch: Incorporate dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano into flour coating, creating an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version with fresh herb undertones.
• Coconut Cracker Chicken: Blend shredded coconut with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy exterior that offers subtle tropical sweetness and unique texture.

Questions About Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

• Why is buttermilk important in this fried chicken recipe?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and soft. The acid in buttermilk breaks down protein, creating a more delicate texture and adding flavor depth to the meat.

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

Use a cooking thermometer to check that the oil is exactly 350F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of flour into the oil – it should sizzle and rise immediately without burning, which indicates the perfect frying temperature.

• Can I make this chicken spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or add hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for extra heat and a spicy kick.

• What's the secret to getting that super crispy crust?

The double-dredging technique is key – dip the chicken in buttermilk, coat in seasoned flour, then repeat. This creates multiple layers that result in an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that’s irresistibly crunchy.

Why Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe Is So Popular

• Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: This crispy fried chicken recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in just under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked dinner.
• Master Restaurant-Quality Crunch: The double-dredging technique guarantees an incredibly crispy exterior that rivals professional kitchen standards, giving home cooks a foolproof method to achieve golden, crunchy perfection.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily adjust spice levels by tweaking cayenne and black pepper quantities, allowing you to create a personalized chicken recipe that matches your family's taste preferences without compromising on texture.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, even novice cooks can confidently prepare this crowd-pleasing dish, making it an excellent recipe for building kitchen confidence and impressing dinner guests.

Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe Ingredient Breakdown

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy flavor, look for fresh, full-fat version.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps break down chicken proteins.
• Black Pepper: Provides warm, slight heat to the marinade.
• Paprika: Adds mild, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful color.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Creates crispy, golden exterior with perfect texture, choose high-quality unbleached flour.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies overall seasoning.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic background flavor, opt for fresh, non-clumping spices.
• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Provides warmth and slight spiciness, select bright red, fresh spices.

• Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil: Provides neutral flavor and high smoke point for deep frying, choose fresh oil.
• Thermometer: Essential for maintaining correct oil temperature for perfect crispy chicken.

Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern-style crispy fried chicken delivers golden perfection with a crackling exterior and juicy meat inside. Generations of home cooks have mastered this classic comfort dish that promises delicious satisfaction with each crunchy bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 chicken drumsticks

Marinade Ingredients:

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Coating and Frying Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil (approximately 34 cups), for deep frying

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Instructions

1. Submerge chicken pieces in a zesty buttermilk mixture seasoned with aromatic spices, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Refrigerate for several hours to allow flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
2. Create a dynamic seasoned flour blend with robust spices, whisking ingredients thoroughly to guarantee even distribution of flavors.
3. Extract chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip away. Meticulously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to achieve maximum adherence. For an ultra-crispy exterior, repeat the dredging process by re-dipping in buttermilk and flour.
4. Select a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven and pour sufficient oil for deep frying. Monitor temperature precisely using a culinary thermometer, aiming for optimal frying conditions around 350F.
5. Gently lower chicken pieces into the bubbling oil, maintaining sufficient spacing to prevent overcrowding. Rotate periodically to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent cooking. Fry until internal temperature reaches a safe 165F, approximately 12-15 minutes.
6. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or absorbent paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain. Permit brief resting time to redistribute internal juices and enhance overall texture.
7. Serve immediately while maintaining peak crispiness, accompanied by complementary side dishes that enhance the meal’s flavor profile.

Notes

• Let the chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally overnight in the refrigerator to enhance tenderness and taste.
• Double-dredging creates an extra crunchy coating that seals in moisture and provides a satisfying crispy texture.
• Use a neutral oil with high smoke point like peanut or vegetable oil for consistent, even frying without burning.
• Lower the heat slightly if chicken browns too quickly, ensuring the inside cooks completely without scorching the exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg