Amazing Crispy Fried Chicken
If you’ve ever dreamed of crispy fried chicken with a golden crust and juicy, tender meat, this recipe is for you. Classic, flavorful, and irresistibly crunchy, this homemade fried chicken will become a family favorite.
Equipment
- large skillet or cast iron pan
- mixing bowl or plastic bag
- tongs
- paper towels
- thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 whole (~4 lb) chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 quarts vegetable oil
Instructions
- Cut the whole chicken into serving pieces. Remove the skin if desired. Pat pieces dry to ensure coating sticks.
- Combine flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl or plastic bag. Mix thoroughly.
- Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk until fully coated.
- Coat chicken in the seasoned flour. Let rest 10–15 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Fill skillet with oil (⅓–½ full) and heat to 350°F (medium-high).
- Fry chicken in batches until golden. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Remove lid, raise heat slightly, and fry a few more minutes to crisp the crust.
- Drain chicken on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
Buttermilk Substitute: Use plain yogurt thinned with a splash of milk if you don’t have buttermilk. Spice Variations: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne for extra flavor. Healthier Swap: Oven-bake or air-fry chicken instead of deep-frying for a lighter version. Pork-Free Option: Swap chicken for firm tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Nutrition
Calories: 489kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 41gFat: 22gSodium: 590mgFiber: 1g
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