Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe for All Occasions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken is a timeless dish that’s ideal for any occasion. This recipe results in golden, crunchy skin with juicy, tender meat on the inside. The combination of seasoned flour and buttermilk brine ensures maximum flavor and crispiness. Whether you’re hosting a party, making a family dinner, or craving comfort food, this fried chicken is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

this Recipe

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, or wings)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Breading:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

1. Brine the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk with hot sauce (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and let them soak in the buttermilk mixture for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the fridge for best results.
2. Prepare the Breading: In a large shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
3. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat the chicken evenly. For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture for a double coating.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). To test the oil, drop in a small amount of flour—if it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes per side (depending on the size of the pieces), or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1.5-2 hours (including marinating time)

Variations

• Spicy Fried Chicken: Add more cayenne pepper to the breading or drizzle the cooked chicken with your favorite hot sauce for a fiery kick.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the flour mixture for an herby twist.
• Crispy Double-Coated Chicken: For an extra crunch, coat the chicken in the flour mixture twice after dipping it in the buttermilk, then fry.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet with a little oil for added crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but the cooking time will be shorter—about 5-7 minutes per side depending on the size of the pieces.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The chicken can be breaded and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before frying. However, for best results, fry it fresh right before serving.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of 1 cup milk and 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle before using.

How can I make sure the chicken stays crispy?
Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of fry. Also, draining the chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels helps maintain the crispiness.

Conclusion

Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and delicious every time. With a flavorful, golden crust and juicy meat on the inside, it’s the ultimate comfort food that works for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a gathering, this recipe will ensure your fried chicken is always a hit!

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