Name: Fried Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces (or your favorite cuts); 2 tsp kosher salt; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 tbsp hot sauce; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cornstarch; 2 tsp kosher salt; 2 tsp paprika; 2 tsp black pepper; Peanut oil (for frying); Flaked salt (optional, for serving)

Fried Chicken: These perfectly fried chicken is golden, crispy on the outside, and juicy, tender on the inside. This comfort food has been a crowd-pleaser for generations, whether served at Sunday family dinners, barbecues, or special celebrations.

What is Fried Chicken?

Fried chicken is a classic dish where chicken pieces are seasoned, coated in flour or breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until crispy. It’s renowned for its crunchy crust and moist interior, offering a satisfying texture and flavor combination. Whether you prefer Southern-style, Korean, or buttermilk-brined chicken, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.

Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Fried Chicken

Mastering fried chicken involves more than just frying. Here are key tips to ensure success:

Start with Quality Chicken: Choose bone-in, skin-on pieces for the best flavor and texture. Drumsticks, thighs, and wings are particularly suited for frying.
Brine for Juiciness: Soaking chicken in a buttermilk brine or a saltwater solution enhances tenderness and infuses flavor. For best results, brine for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
Season Generously: Season both the chicken and the flour coating. Use a mix of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and herbs for a flavorful crust.
Double-Coating is Key: Dip the chicken in seasoned flour, then buttermilk, and flour again for an extra-crispy crust.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil at 325–350°F. Fluctuations can lead to soggy or overcooked chicken.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and proper crisping.
Rest After Frying: Allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack to drain excess oil while keeping the crust crispy.

Variations of Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is beloved worldwide, and each culture brings its own twist:

Oven-Fried Chicken: A healthier take, where chicken is baked with a crispy breadcrumb or panko coating.

Southern Fried Chicken: Classic and flavorful, typically brined in buttermilk and fried in a cast-iron skillet.

Korean Fried Chicken: Double-fried for an ultra-crispy exterior and often coated in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce.

Nashville Hot Chicken: Spicy fried chicken drenched in a fiery cayenne pepper glaze, served with pickles and white bread.

Japanese Karaage: Small pieces of chicken marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then lightly coated in potato starch and fried.

Gluten-Free Fried Chicken: Use cornstarch, rice flour, or almond flour for a gluten-free option that still delivers crunch.

How to Serve Fried Chicken

Fried chicken shines as the centerpiece of any meal. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

Classic Pairings: Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, and buttery biscuits for a traditional Southern meal.
Picnic-Style: Pair with potato salad, corn on the cob, and a tangy pickle for an outdoor feast.
International Flair: Serve Korean fried chicken with pickled daikon and steamed rice or Nashville hot chicken with a side of mac and cheese.
Dipping Sauces: Offer ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, or spicy aioli for added flavor.

How to Store Fried Chicken

Proper storage keeps leftovers just as delicious:

Refrigeration: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

Yield: 4

Fried Chicken

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces (or your favorite cuts)
2 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
2 cups buttermilk
2 tbsp hot sauce
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
2 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp black pepper
Peanut oil (for frying)
Flaked salt (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Toss chicken pieces with kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Add buttermilk and hot sauce, stirring to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper. This will be your crispy coating.
Preheat peanut oil to 325°F in a deep fryer or heavy skillet. Keep a close eye on the heat—lower to 300°F if the chicken browns too quickly.
Let excess buttermilk drip off each piece, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off the excess and let the pieces rest until the coating looks slightly pasty.
Carefully place chicken in the hot oil, frying in batches (no overcrowding!). Turn pieces occasionally for even browning. Cook dark meat for 12-14 minutes and white meat for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 165°F.
Remove chicken to a paper towel-lined tray and sprinkle with flaked salt while still hot. Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

8
Amount Per Serving Calories 401Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 68mgSodium 884mgCarbohydrates 43gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 26g

dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Still Hungry! Try These Recipes:

So, Guys, I hope you enjoy this Easy Fried Chicken Recipe which I make on weekly basis. All the Chicken lovers who are looking for Fried Chicken Recipe will enjoy this recipe. And if you like this recipe then Don’t forget to share it with your friends on Pinterest, Facebook, and other social media platforms. And do follow us on facebook, twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Instagram.