Crispy Golden Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 2 cups of buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon of hot sauce
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce.
  4. Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk mixture, then coat in the flour mixture. Repeat this step for a double coating.
  5. Let the chicken sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the coating to set.
  6. While the chicken is resting, heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each piece for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.
  9. Let the chicken cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Spicy Variation: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add other spices like chili powder or hot pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
  • Seasoned Crust: Experiment with different seasonings in the flour mixture such as dried herbs, smoked paprika, or Cajun seasoning.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch for a crispy coating.
  • Buttermilk Substitute: If you don't have buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
  • Panko Crust: Replace the flour coating with panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crunchier texture.
  • Vegetarian Version: Instead of chicken, use firm tofu or seitan as a meat-free alternative. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Hot Honey Glaze: Drizzle the fried chicken with a mixture of honey and hot sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.
  • Oven-Baked Option: For a healthier alternative, bake the coated chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a classic Southern comfort food with this Fried Chicken recipe. This dish features tender chicken pieces that are coated in a spicy, crispy breading and deep-fried to golden perfection. Though it requires a bit of time and patience, the end result is worth every minute. You'll need a whole chicken cut into pieces, a flavorful blend of seasonings, buttermilk for added tenderness, and of course, flour for the perfect crispy coating. Expect to get your hands a bit messy while coating the chicken, but remember, that's part of the fun! Once you're done, you'll have a deliciously crunchy, succulent chicken that's perfect for a family dinner or a picnic. Enjoy it hot for the best experience!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to fry the chicken? - Each piece of chicken should be fried for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Can I use a different type of flour? - While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour such as self-rising flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
  3. Can I use boneless chicken instead of whole chicken pieces? - Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or chicken tenders instead of whole chicken pieces. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless chicken may cook faster.
  4. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? - Yes, if you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Do I have to use buttermilk? - Buttermilk adds tenderness and flavor to the chicken, but if you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk or even yogurt.
  6. How can I make the chicken spicier? - If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add other spices like chili powder or hot pepper flakes to the flour mixture.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowls - Use various sizes of mixing bowls to coat the chicken and prepare the buttermilk mixture.
  • Tongs - Use tongs to handle the chicken pieces when dipping them in the buttermilk mixture and coating them in flour.
  • Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot - Use a deep fryer or a large pot with high sides for frying the chicken.
  • Slotted spoon - Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken from the oil and allow excess oil to drain.
  • Paper towels - Place fried chicken on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Origin stories

While fried chicken is popular worldwide today, it has deep roots in the American South. It was brought to America by Scottish immigrants who traditionally preferred to fry their chicken, unlike the English who often baked or boiled their poultry. The dish evolved into its own unique cuisine as it mingled with West African cooking styles brought over during the slave trade. The fusion of these traditions led to the much-beloved Southern fried chicken we know today—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and flavored with a variety of spices that make each bite a flavorful experience. This dish has since become a staple of American cuisine and a symbol of home-cooked comfort food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.