Crispy fried chicken is a delicious and classic dish that’s loved by many. Here’s a basic recipe to make crispy fried chicken:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 pounds of chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
For the Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to submerge the chicken pieces)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. You can also add hot sauce to the buttermilk for extra flavor.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over it. Make sure the chicken is well coated with buttermilk. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for tenderizing.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix the coating ingredients thoroughly.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and let any excess liquid drip off.
- Roll each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to adhere.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, add enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the correct temperature.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully add a few pieces of chicken to the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. The chicken should sizzle when it hits the oil.
- Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes for smaller pieces (like wings and drumsticks) and 20-25 minutes for larger pieces (like thighs and breasts). The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve:
- Remove the fried chicken pieces from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve your crispy fried chicken hot with your favorite sides and dipping sauces.
Enjoy your homemade crispy fried chicken! Adjust the seasonings to your taste and pair it with coleslaw, biscuits, mashed potatoes, or any other side dishes you prefer.