Rating: 3.69
(60)

Fried Chicken

June 5, 2024

Fried chicken is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether it’s served as a Sunday dinner, at a picnic, or as a treat for special occasions, there’s something universally satisfying about biting into that crispy, golden-brown exterior to reveal juicy, tender chicken on the inside.

The secret to great fried chicken lies in the seasoning and the coating. First, you’ll want to marinate the chicken pieces in a buttermilk mixture. This helps tenderize the meat and allows the flavors to penetrate, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. You can also season the buttermilk with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt for an extra kick.

Next comes the breading. A mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices (like black pepper, thyme, and paprika) creates that crispy, crunchy coating we all love. The key to extra crispiness is double-breading the chicken: dip it first in the flour mixture, then back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it again in the flour mixture. This creates a thick, crunchy layer that holds up well when fried.

To cook, heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly. Fry each piece for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure it’s golden and crispy on all sides. The result is perfectly fried chicken with a crispy, flavorful coating and a juicy, tender interior.

Fried chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. Whether you’re serving it up for a family meal or at a party, fried chicken is sure to be a crowd favorite.

With its rich, crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful meat, fried chicken is a dish that’s always worth the effort, delivering comfort in every crispy bite.

Fried Chicken
Fried Chicken
3.69 from 60 votes
Learn how to make crispy and delicious fried chicken at home with this easy recipe.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • In a large, shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  • Dip each chicken thigh into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Place the coated chicken thighs in the hot oil, skin side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  • Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the fried chicken thighs from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • Serve the fried chicken hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 15gFat: 20gFiber: 2g
Calories: 380kcal
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken, easy meal, fried food
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. 5 stars
    Delicious! I added some hot sauce to the buttermilk for a spicy kick. So good!

  2. User avatar bud.ward19 says:

    1 star
    Fried chicken is just frying a chicken, right? Why all the spices? Just need salt and pepper.

    1. User avatar deana.rippin4 says:

      4 stars
      Not true! The spices make it delicious! It’s all about flavor, man.

  3. User avatar aaron.bruen2004 says:

    5 stars
    I swear this is the best fried chicken I ever made! So crispy, just like my grandma’s.

  4. User avatar francene.weber47 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is AMAZING! The chicken turned out so crispy and flavorful. Definitely a keeper! 🍗😋

  5. User avatar alexandria.kohler17 says:

    3 stars
    This is basically the same as other recipes, isn’t it? Nothing new here.

  6. User avatar emilee.witting says:

    5 stars
    Very easy recipe. My kids loved it! Best fried chicken ever! Will make again for sure.

  7. 4 stars
    So simple but so delicious! Definitely a keeper.

  8. 4 stars
    Just a tip: don’t skip the resting step after frying. Makes a big difference trust me!

  9. 5 stars
    Yum! I made this for dinner and it disappeared real quick! Will make again.

  10. 5 stars
    This fried chicken recipe is a classic! The skin was so crispy and the meat juicy. Loved it!

  11. User avatar Glossu "Beast" Rabban says:

    2 stars
    IDK if I did something wrong, but mine tasted kind of bland. Needs more seasoning.

    1. User avatar Harrison Vandervort says:

      4 stars
      Maybe try adding some more spices? Like cayenne or more salt. It’ll really pop!

    2. User avatar felix.schamberger15 says:

      3 stars
      I think chicken can taste bland without proper seasoning…but it’s not just the recipe, ya know?

  12. User avatar thad.grady26 says:

    2 stars
    It was alright, but the oil splattered everywhere! Had to clean the kitchen afterward.

    1. User avatar ivonne.bogan says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, frying can be super messy! Maybe try using a splatter guard next time? It could help with the oil situation.

  13. 2 stars
    A bit too much salt for my taste. Next time, I’ll cut back on the salt!

    1. User avatar eusebio.donnelly says:

      4 stars
      I totally get that! Salt can be really overpowering. I usually just sprinkle a bit at a time to taste. Hope it turns out better next time!

  14. 3 stars
    I think the chicken turned out too greasy. Maybe less oil next time?

  15. 4 stars
    I couldn’t find chicken thighs, so I used breasts. Still yummy. But next time I’ll get thighs!

    1. User avatar lovella.ankunding says:

      2 stars
      But why would you change the recipe? It’s called Fried Chicken for a reason! Thighs have more flavor!

    2. User avatar maxima.rogahn1995 says:

      4 stars
      Sounds great! Chicken breasts can be nice too. I’ve used them as well. Definitely trying thighs next time! 😊

  16. 5 stars
    BEST recipe!!! Followed exactly and it was like I went to a fancy restaurant. 💖

    1. 5 stars
      So happy to hear that! It really does taste restaurant-quality, right? 🍗✨

  17. User avatar sheridan.nitzsche1972 says:

    5 stars
    Just like KFC but better! No way I’m going back to fast food after this! Yum!

    1. User avatar Uh Shenlong says:

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe and my family loved it! Way better than KFC!

  18. User avatar alva.dickens1995 says:

    5 stars
    YUMMMM 😍 Perfectly crispy!

  19. 3 stars
    It was ok, but my chicken didn’t turn out as crispy. Maybe I’m doing something wrong?

  20. User avatar nena.mertz1986 says:

    5 stars
    Super easy recipe! Even my kids helped! They loved dredging the chicken.

  21. 1 star
    Could’ve been better. The cook time was off, my chicken was still pink inside. How do I know if it’s done?

    1. 4 stars
      Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp, it should read 165°F. That’ll help you avoid pink chicken!

  22. User avatar juliana.cormier says:

    3 stars
    After I make this I don’t want to eat any other chicken anymore. Though my husband, he not like it much.

    1. 5 stars
      Your chicken recipe sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try it, even if my husband doesn’t like chicken much either. Maybe he’ll change his mind!

  23. User avatar liberal.hero says:

    5 stars
    My kids loved it! Chicken nuggets from scratch!

    1. User avatar Sand-Dial says:

      3 stars
      I dunno… isn’t frying chicken kind of messy? I prefer baking them but good for you! My kids just want nuggets from a box.

    2. User avatar dovie.altenwerth1997 says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! Homemade nuggets are the best. I bet they’re way healthier than the frozen ones!

  24. User avatar lydia.kub19 says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, I tried it and it was way too salty. Maybe I messed up but I won’t make it again.

  25. User avatar dorotha.marvin31 says:

    2 stars
    Why do you put garlic in chicken? That’s weird. Just us salt and pepper!

  26. User avatar Tahm Kench says:

    2 stars
    It was okay, but I don’t understand why you need buttermilk. Can regular milk work?

    1. User avatar boyce.rippin36 says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, I’ve made fried chicken with milk before, and it was fine. But yeah, buttermilk sounds fancy!

    2. User avatar jessi.klein7 says:

      4 stars
      Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps to tenderize the chicken. Regular milk won’t give the same kind of result!

  27. User avatar margarito.ritchie says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but I thought it would be more flavorful. Maybe add some hot sauce next time?

    1. User avatar sharla.kuhn5 says:

      3 stars
      What? I thought it was flavorful enough! You must have a different taste than me. But yeah, try adding hot sauce!

    2. User avatar april.johnson61 says:

      4 stars
      I totally agree! A little hot sauce could make it pop! I usually add some spicy seasoning to mine.

  28. User avatar Mr. Bradley Hauck says:

    3 stars
    Too much salt for my taste. I’d reduce it next time.

    1. User avatar Daqa Koth says:

      2 stars
      Really? I thought the salt was just right! Maybe next time try not making it so salty yourself.

    2. User avatar detra.schowalter says:

      5 stars
      I agree! I always use less salt too. It just gets too overwhelming sometimes.

  29. User avatar christoper.hoppe says:

    4 stars
    I’m not a cook, but even I could follow this! The instructions were easy to understand. Thanks!

  30. User avatar kimberley.heaney0 says:

    5 stars
    Fried Chicken is greeeat! I don’t care what people say, I love it! 10/10 would eat again.

  31. User avatar monte.bode71 says:

    4 stars
    Pretty good, but I used boneless chicken and it didn’t cook right. Follow the recipe!

  32. User avatar Ashanti Wuckert says:

    5 stars
    This is the best fried chicken I’ve ever made! Crispy and juicy, just like my grandma used to make! 5 stars!

  33. User avatar joe_banana says:

    1 star
    I burnt mine 😭 but my dog loved it. He’s a great taster lol!

  34. User avatar reita.olson17 says:

    4 stars
    I used almond milk instead of buttermilk cause that’s all I had. Still turned out great! 🙌

    1. User avatar epifania.fadel says:

      3 stars
      Almond milk? Really? I wouldn’t think it would taste as good. Did you change anything else?

    2. User avatar rebeca.fay47 says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! Almond milk sounds like a clever swap. Glad it turned out well for you! 😄

  35. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

    5 stars
    This fried chicken recipe is a game changer! Crispy and juicy, my family loved it!

  36. User avatar bob.heidenreich says:

    3 stars
    Fried chicken is always a win! Just didn’t feel like this was anything special. 😐

  37. User avatar percy.bednar says:

    2 stars
    Do you really need buttermilk? I used regular milk and it turned out fine. Seems kinda pointless.

  38. 4 stars
    The instructions were straightforward but I didn’t have buttermilk, so I used regular milk. Not sure if that was a mistake.

    1. User avatar mira.feeney42 says:

      4 stars
      Using regular milk is fine! It might not be as tangy, but it should still taste good. Enjoy your chicken!

3.69 from 60 votes
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