Finger-Lickin’ Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe for Family Joy

Crispy, golden fried chicken sizzles with irresistible promise, beckoning hungry souls with its mouth-watering aroma.

Southern-style golden fried chicken carries generations of culinary comfort and warmth.

Every golden-brown piece promises a delectable crunch that penetrates deep into the meat’s tender core.

This classic recipe delivers a perfectly seasoned exterior that crackles with each delightful bite.

Marinating the chicken ensures maximum flavor infusion and guarantees succulent results.

The carefully balanced blend of spices transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Crispy Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk: Magical tenderizer that breaks down chicken proteins and adds tangy depth to the meat's flavor profile.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances overall taste and helps proteins retain moisture.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, spicy kick and complements the chicken's richness.
• Paprika: Introduces subtle smokiness and beautiful reddish color to the marinade.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the signature crunchy exterior that makes fried chicken irresistible.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Delivers concentrated savory notes and aromatic complexity to the coating.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings exciting heat and vibrant zest to the crispy layer.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil with high smoke point perfect for achieving golden, crispy exterior.

Gear To Make Fried Chicken Crispy

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade and thoroughly coating chicken.
• Shallow Dish: Essential for dredging chicken in seasoned flour mixture.
• Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: Heavy-bottomed pan for safely frying chicken.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature.
• Wire Rack or Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Tongs: Handy for safely turning and removing chicken from hot oil.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate for measuring ingredients precisely.

How To Fry Chicken The Right Way

• Create Flavor Bath

Whisk buttermilk with seasonings in a large container. Submerge chicken pieces completely, ensuring every inch gets coated. Let chicken soak in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight for maximum tenderness.

• Mix Magical Coating

Combine flour with a blend of spices in a wide, shallow container. Make sure seasonings are evenly distributed for consistent flavor across each piece of chicken.

• Dress Chicken in Crispy Armor

Pull chicken from buttermilk bath, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Roll each piece generously in seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, crunchy exterior. For extra crunch, repeat dipping process.

• Prepare Sizzling Oil Bath

Fill heavy-bottomed pan with oil, heating until it reaches perfect frying temperature. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure precise heat.

• Transform Chicken to Golden Perfection

Gently lower chicken pieces into hot oil, maintaining space between them. Cook until exterior turns deep golden brown and interior reaches safe temperature. Flip occasionally for even cooking.

• Serve and Savor

Allow chicken to rest briefly on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Plate immediately and enjoy with your favorite accompaniments.

Tips For Crispy Fried Chicken Perfection

• Perfect Crunch Technique: Double-dredge chicken by dipping in buttermilk then flour twice for an ultra-crispy, golden exterior that stays crunchy longer.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate chicken overnight to enhance flavor depth and ensure tender, juicy meat that's packed with delicious seasoning.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or rice flour to create a crispy coating suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Temperature Control: Use a reliable meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, guaranteeing safe cooking and preventing dry, overcooked meat.
• Oil Selection Pro: Choose high smoke-point oils like peanut or canola for consistent frying temperature and cleaner, more neutral flavor that lets chicken shine.

How To Serve Fried Chicken

• Southern-Style Picnic Plate: Pair the crispy fried chicken with classic southern sides like creamy coleslaw, fluffy mashed potatoes, and buttery corn on the cob for a hearty meal that screams comfort food.
• Spicy Dipping Delights: Serve alongside zesty ranch, tangy honey mustard, or homemade hot sauce to add an extra kick of flavor that complements the crispy chicken's seasoned coating.
• Family Gathering Feast: Create a casual buffet-style spread with the fried chicken as the centerpiece, surrounded by biscuits, green beans, and a refreshing summer salad to make mealtime feel special and inviting.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Cut chicken into smaller pieces for easy finger food, perfect for sports watching parties or casual gatherings where guests can grab and enjoy without fuss.

Store Fried Chicken So It Stays Crispy

• Refrigerator Recovery: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Arrange pieces in a single layer to prevent sogginess and maintain crispiness.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual pieces tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags. Frozen chicken stays delicious for up to 4 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Crispy Reheat Method: Revive cold chicken in the oven at 375F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave cooking, which can turn the crust soggy. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to help maintain its crunchy exterior.
• Portion Control Hack: Prepare extra chicken during cooking and pre-portion into meal-sized containers. This creates quick grab-and-go lunches or fast weeknight dinners, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.

Golden Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy korean-style fried chicken delivers an irresistible crunch that elevates classic poultry. Seasoned with gochujang and double-fried for maximum texture, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to home kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 4 chicken drumsticks
• 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 34 cups (8 liters) vegetable oil (for deep frying)

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Instructions

1. Marination: Immerse chicken pieces in a vibrant buttermilk bath infused with an array of bold spices, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for several hours to allow flavor infusion and meat tenderization.
2. Flour Preparation: Craft a dynamic spice-laden flour mixture, whisking ingredients meticulously to guarantee uniform flavor distribution. This seasoned coating will create a tantalizing crispy exterior.
3. Dredging Process: Drain chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to fall away. Thoroughly coat each piece in the spiced flour blend, pressing firmly to maximize flavor adherence. For an exceptionally crisp finish, repeat the dredging technique by re-dipping in buttermilk and flour mixture.
4. Oil Preparation: Choose a robust skillet or Dutch oven and fill with sufficient oil for deep frying. Utilize a culinary thermometer to maintain precise temperature at 350F, creating the ideal frying environment.
5. Frying Technique: Carefully introduce chicken pieces into the sizzling oil, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent overcrowding. Rotate periodically to ensure consistent golden-brown coloration and even cooking. Fry until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F, typically requiring 12-15 minutes.
6. Resting and Serving: Transfer golden chicken to a wire rack or absorbent towels, allowing excess oil to drain. Let rest briefly to redistribute internal juices and optimize texture. Serve piping hot alongside complementary side dishes that elevate the meal’s gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Allow chicken to soak in buttermilk for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, to maximize tenderness and flavor absorption.
• Double-Dredge for Crunch: Repeat flour coating process twice to create an exceptionally crispy, thick exterior that seals in moisture and delivers a satisfying crackle.
• Temperature Control: Maintain consistent oil temperature at 350F to prevent greasy results and ensure even, golden-brown cooking without burning the coating.
• Rest and Drain Properly: Let fried chicken rest on wire rack instead of paper towels to preserve crispy texture and prevent soggy bottoms by allowing excess oil to drip away completely.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg