Irresistible Fried Chicken Recipe: Crispy & Juicy Delight

There’s something undeniably magical about fried chicken. Imagine biting into that perfectly crispy, golden-brown coating, followed by the juicy, tender meat inside. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and making your stomach growl like a hungry bear. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or cozying up for a movie night.

Fried chicken is not just food; it’s an experience. I remember my grandmother whipping up her famous recipe on Sunday afternoons, filling our home with mouthwatering scents. Family and friends would gather around the table, eagerly awaiting their first bite. The joy on everyone’s faces was priceless, and let me tell you, there were never any leftovers!

I recall one particular summer evening when I attempted to replicate my grandmother’s fried chicken at a family reunion. My cousins’ reactions were priceless—let’s just say my ego got a little boost that day!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bone-In Chicken Pieces: Opt for thighs and drumsticks for the juiciest results; they hold up beautifully during frying.

• Buttermilk: This adds moisture and helps tenderize the chicken while giving it that classic flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: The key ingredient for achieving that irresistible crunchy coating; don’t skimp on this!

• Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): These seasonings elevate the flavor profile; adjust them based on your taste preferences.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken; use freshly cracked pepper for extra zing.

• Cooking Oil (Vegetable or Peanut): Choose an oil with a high smoke point to ensure crispiness during frying.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk and spices. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.

Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade and allow excess to drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.

Heat Your Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge half of the chicken pieces at a time.

Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully add coated chicken pieces to hot oil without crowding them. Fry each side for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Drain and Serve!: Once cooked, transfer fried chicken onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow it to rest briefly before serving hot with your favorite sides.

And there you have it! Perfectly crispy fried chicken that can make even Sundays feel like special occasions! Enjoy every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken for at least four hours. Coat it in seasoned flour and fry in hot oil until golden brown, ensuring crispy perfection.

Add Your Touch

Experiment with spices like cayenne for heat or garlic powder for extra flavor. You can also try different flours for unique textures and tastes.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness instead of using a microwave.

It’s funny how my first attempt at making fried chicken ended with smoke alarms blaring and my dog hiding under the couch. But my friends loved it anyway, claiming it had character!

FAQ

What is the best oil for frying fried chicken?

Peanut oil is ideal because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken works well but may require shorter cooking times.

How do I keep my fried chicken crispy?

Allow it to cool on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.

Print

Crispy Fried Chicken

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food, boasting a perfectly crispy coating that encases tender, juicy meat. This recipe captures the magic of homemade fried chicken, evoking cherished memories while delivering a flavor-packed experience. Ideal for gatherings or cozy family meals, this dish is sure to impress your loved ones and leave them craving more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices for at least two hours or overnight.
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour.
4. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry chicken pieces for 10-12 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels briefly before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (150g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Experiment with spices like cayenne for added heat. For extra crunchiness, consider double frying the chicken. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat in the oven for best results.