Crispy Fried Chicken is a beloved classic that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to picnics. With a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a seasoned flour coating, this recipe will help you achieve perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken every time. Follow this guide to make delicious, crispy fried chicken at home.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 3 to 4 lbs (about 1.5 to 2 kg), cut into pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings)
• Buttermilk: 2 cups (for marinating the chicken)
• Salt: 1 tablespoon (for the marinade), plus more to taste
• Black pepper: 2 teaspoons (divided)
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• All-purpose flour: 2 cups (for dredging)
• Cayenne pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
• Vegetable oil: for frying

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the buttermilk and seasoning adhere better.
2. Marinate the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to mix well.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Station

1. Mix the dredging ingredients: In a large shallow dish or bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, the remaining 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and the cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the chicken cook more evenly.
2. Dredge the chicken pieces: One by one, remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour into the chicken to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour and set the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

1. Heat the oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to reach a depth of about 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it—if it sizzles and browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

1. Fry the chicken in batches: Carefully add a few pieces of chicken to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the oil temperature. If the oil gets too hot, the chicken may burn on the outside before it’s fully cooked inside.
3. Drain the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use tongs to remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This helps keep the chicken crispy.

Step 6: Serve

1. Season the chicken with additional salt to taste while it’s still hot.
2. Serve the crispy fried chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or a fresh salad.

Cook’s Notes

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key to achieving crispy fried chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the chicken may burn on the outside before cooking through.
• Double Dredging: For an extra crispy coating, you can double dredge the chicken. After the first coat of flour, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk, then dredge it in the flour mixture again before frying.

Variations

Spicy Fried Chicken

Add more cayenne pepper, or mix in 1 teaspoon of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a spicier kick.

Herbed Fried Chicken

Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the flour mixture for a fragrant, herbed crust.

Buttermilk Biscuit Fried Chicken Sandwich

Use the fried chicken pieces in a sandwich with buttermilk biscuits, lettuce, and a drizzle of honey or hot sauce for a delicious twist.

Gluten-Free Fried Chicken

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornmeal for a gluten-free version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I keep fried chicken crispy?

After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack to allow air to circulate around the pieces, keeping them crispy. Avoid covering the chicken or placing it on paper towels, as this can trap steam and make the crust soggy.

2. Can I make fried chicken ahead of time?

Fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead of time and reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes to restore some of the crispiness.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep it crispy.

4. Can I freeze fried chicken?

Yes, you can freeze fried chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven until heated through and crispy.

5. What can I serve with fried chicken?

Fried chicken pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, biscuits, and green beans.

Crispy Fried Chicken is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk and dredging it in seasoned flour ensures a flavorful and crispy crust, while frying it to golden perfection results in juicy, tender meat. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this fried chicken recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!