Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken is a timeless comfort food classic, beloved for its juicy, flavorful meat and irresistibly crunchy golden crust. This recipe delivers on all fronts—seasoned to perfection, tender on the inside, and shatteringly crisp on the outside. It’s ideal for family dinners, picnics, holidays, or any time you’re craving a hearty and satisfying dish.

ingredients

Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe for All Occasions

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

chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on preferred)buttermilkhot sauce (optional, for marinade)all-purpose flourcornstarchsaltblack pepperpaprikaonion powdergarlic powdercayenne pepperbaking powdereggsvegetable oil (for frying)

directions

In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and baking powder.

In another bowl, beat the eggs.

Remove the chicken from the marinade. Dip each piece in the flour mixture, then in the eggs, and again in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, without overcrowding, for 12-15 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain and keep crispy.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6-8 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 4 hours or overnight
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 4 hours 50 minutes (including marination)

Variations

Use boneless chicken strips for a quicker, kid-friendly version.

Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the flour mix for a flavor twist.

Try a spicy version by increasing the cayenne or adding chili powder.

Serve with waffles for a classic chicken and waffles combo.

storage/reheating

Store leftover fried chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place on a wire rack in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crust.

FAQs

Why use buttermilk to marinate?

Buttermilk tenderizes the meat and helps the coating stick better.

Can I use an air fryer?

Yes, though the texture will be slightly different. Spray the coated chicken with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

What oil is best for frying chicken?

Use a high smoke point oil like peanut, vegetable, or canola oil.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and check that all seasonings are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken is a must-have recipe that brings golden crunch and juicy flavor to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a celebration or just indulging in comfort food, this crowd-pleaser is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.