How to Make Perfect Crispy Juicy Fried Chicken

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fried chicken recipe is all about the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender, while the flour and cornstarch coating creates an irresistibly crispy crust. A mix of spices adds bold flavor to every bite, and frying the chicken to golden perfection in hot oil seals the deal. Whether you’re serving it with classic sides or on its own, this fried chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• Bone-in pieces like thighs and drumsticks (but any cut will do)

For the Marinade:

• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp celery salt
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For Frying:

• Enough oil to deep fry the chicken (vegetable oil or peanut oil works well)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, making sure they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness).

2. Prepare the Coating:

• In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, celery salt, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended.

3. Heat the Oil:

• Fill a deep pot or Dutch oven with enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.

4. Coat the Chicken:

• Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and dip each piece into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour, making sure there’s a thick, even layer of coating.

5. Fry the Chicken:

• Carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken for about 12–15 minutes, turning every 4 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

6. Drain and Rest:

• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the crust to stay crispy.

What to Serve with Fried Chicken

Pair your crispy fried chicken with these classic sides:

• Garlic parmesan mashed potatoes
• Creamy macaroni salad
• Classic coleslaw
• Roasted potato salad
• Fresh cucumber and feta salad
• Tomato, onion, and cucumber salad

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep leftover fried chicken crispy:

• Store the chicken in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy.

Final Tips for the Best Fried Chicken

• Marinate well: For juicy and flavorful meat, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for several hours or overnight.
• Coating: A mix of flour and cornstarch creates a super crunchy crust that sticks perfectly to the chicken.
• Oil temperature: Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F ensures even cooking and a golden crust.
• Avoid overcrowding: Fry the chicken in batches if needed to prevent it from sticking together and ensure even cooking.
• Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest after frying to maintain its crispiness.

Conclusion

This crispy, juicy fried chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone craving the ultimate fried chicken experience. The crunchy exterior, combined with tender, flavorful meat, is simply unbeatable. Whether you enjoy it with traditional sides or serve it on its own, this fried chicken will make any meal a memorable one. Enjoy the perfect fried chicken with every bite!

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