Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
This Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk and coated with a flavorful blend of spices and flour, then fried to golden perfection for a crispy, juicy finish. Perfect for a comforting meal with a crunchy texture and savory taste.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Diet: Halal
For the Marinade
- 1 cup buttermilk (substitute: 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar)
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can use gluten-free blend)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- 2 cups vegetable oil (or peanut oil for a different flavor)
For Garnish
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to a uniform ½-inch thickness to ensure even cooking. Soak them in buttermilk for 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Make the Breading Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat each marinated chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip back into the buttermilk for extra moisture. Finally, coat the chicken again in the flour mixture to create a thick, crispy crust.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry for 5-6 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- Drain and Rest: Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to cool slightly and maintain crispiness.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Can substitute peanut oil for vegetable oil to enhance flavor.
- Pounding chicken to even thickness ensures uniform cooking and prevents dryness.
- Using a wire rack instead of paper towels helps keep the coating crispy.
- For gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 150g)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: crispy chicken, fried chicken, buttermilk chicken, southern fried chicken, crispy fried chicken recipe, homemade fried chicken