Nothing beats the irresistible craving for perfectly golden, crunchy, and juicy chicken right out of the skillet. This Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe brings together a symphony of spices and a double-dredge technique that creates a crackling, flavorful crust while locking in tender, moist meat inside. Whether you’re making a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe guarantees a plateful of comfort and delight that will turn your kitchen into a southern-inspired haven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe is all about simple yet crucial ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in creating that perfect crispy texture, deep flavor, and mouthwatering color that make fried chicken so addictive.
- Chicken pieces: Choose drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts according to your preference; dark meat stays juicier, white meat cooks faster.
- Milk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds moisture to the egg wash for a better coating.
- Large eggs: Beaten eggs act as the binding agent to help the flour mixture adhere perfectly to the chicken.
- All-purpose flour: The base for your crispy crust that crisps up beautifully when fried.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth, balancing the other spices.
- Garlic powder: Lends a savory aroma and rich umami flavor.
- Paprika: Gives a lovely reddening color and gentle smoky taste.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing them together seamlessly.
- Poultry seasoning: A blend that adds herbaceous notes and complexity to the crust.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, providing a neutral base that gets smoky-hot without overpowering the chicken.
How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating Mixture
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and poultry seasoning in a large bowl. This seasoned flour mix is your secret weapon for that crispy flavor-packed crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk until smooth. This mixture ensures your chicken pieces get a nice wet layer for the flour to cling to, setting the stage for an even double coating.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take each piece of chicken and first dredge it in the flour mixture, coating it thoroughly. Then dip the coated chicken into the egg and milk blend. Finally, give it another generous coating of the flour mixture. This double-dip method locks in moisture and creates that signature crunch.
Step 4: Heat Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or a large, heavy skillet and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the right temperature is key to frying chicken that’s crispy but not greasy.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy all over, roughly 12 to 15 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safe, juicy meat inside.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once fried to perfection, remove the chicken and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serving immediately maximizes that wonderful crunch and warmth.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges add freshness and a burst of color that brighten this hearty dish. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving elevates the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Crispy fried chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, crisp coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or even a tangy pickle salad. The contrast of textures and flavors makes the entire meal sing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe as sliders with your favorite pickles and sauces on mini buns for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Alternatively, place it atop crisp greens and drizzle with ranch for a satisfying salad that still delivers the crunchy hit you love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover crispy fried chicken, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it a handy leftover for quick meals.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover fried chicken by first chilling it completely, then wrapping individual pieces in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. Frozen fried chicken keeps well for 1 to 2 months without losing that crispness after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat and keep the chicken crispy, place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy and the meat rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts for this Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, though they cook faster so keep an eye on them to prevent drying out. Dark meat like thighs and drumsticks remain juicier, so it depends on your preference.
What oil is best for frying chicken?
Vegetable oil is a great choice due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. Other oils like peanut or canola oil also work well for deep frying.
How can I make sure the chicken stays juicy inside?
The key is to maintain the oil temperature around 350°F and fry long enough to cook through but not too long to dry the meat. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I add other spices to the flour mixture?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with cayenne for heat, onion powder for sweetness, or even a bit of dried herbs to match your flavor preferences.
Is it okay to fry chicken in batches?
Yes, frying in batches keeps the oil temperature stable and avoids overcrowding the pan, which can cause soggy coating. Let the oil come back up to temperature between batches for the best results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly soul-satisfying about biting into perfectly crunchy, juicy fried chicken. This Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe captures that magic every time with a simple method and flavorful crust you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your apron, get frying, and get ready to fall in love with your new go-to chicken dish.
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Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic fried chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces with a flavorful seasoned coating. The chicken is double-dredged in a seasoned flour mixture and an egg-milk wash, then deep-fried to perfection for a juicy interior and crunchy exterior. Perfect for a family meal or a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts) – 4 servings
Coating Mixture
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Black pepper – 2 tsp
- Garlic powder – 2 tsp
- Paprika – 2 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Poultry seasoning – 1 tsp
Egg Mixture
- Milk – 1 cup
- Large eggs, beaten – 2
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying) – enough to fill deep fryer or skillet to 2-3 inches depth
Instructions
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and poultry seasoning. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk until smooth and thoroughly combined to create the egg wash.
- Coat Chicken: Take each piece of chicken and first dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then dip the piece into the egg mixture. Finally, coat the chicken again in the flour mixture to create a double layer of coating for extra crispiness.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large, deep skillet so that it reaches approximately 2 to 3 inches in depth. Heat the oil to a temperature of 350°F (175°C), checking with a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even golden brown color and crispiness on all sides. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to confirm the chicken is fully cooked.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried chicken pieces from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve the fried chicken hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature remains steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to guarantee food safety and juiciness.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in buttermilk and spices before coating, if time allows.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature.
- Adjust seasoning in the flour mix according to taste preferences.
