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Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

5 from 13 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Drain and Rest: Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to cool slightly and maintain crispiness.
  7. 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

Keywords: crispy chicken, fried chicken, buttermilk chicken, southern fried chicken, crispy fried chicken recipe, homemade fried chicken