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Close-up of crispy fried chicken skin with golden crust

Crispy Fried Chicken

This crispy fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food — golden, crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold, Southern-inspired flavor. It’s the kind of meal that turns a gloomy Sunday into a crunchy celebration.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Comfort Food
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
  • Tongs
  • Wire rack or paper towels
  • Thermometer optional but recommended

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg chicken thighs and drumsticks are the juiciest!
  • 2 cups buttermilk or milk + lemon juice hack
  • é cups flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cayenne for that lil’ kick
  • Oil for frying sunflower or vegetable oil

Instructions
 

  • Soak it like you mean it
    Toss that chicken in buttermilk, cover, and let it soak overnight if you can (minimum 2 hours if you’re in a rush). The buttermilk tenderizes it like a spa day for your chicken.
  • Flour game strong
    In a big bowl, mix flour, spices, salt, and pepper. I like to add a dash more cayenne if I’m feeling bold (or spicy inside ).
  • Coat it with love
    Take each piece of chicken from the buttermilk and coat it in the flour mixture. Press it in like you’re tucking it in for a crunchy nap.
  • Heat things up
    Heat oil in a deep pan — you want it hot (around 350°F/175°C). Not lukewarm, not blazing. Just sizzling hot and ready.
  • Fry, but don’t crowd
    Drop in a few pieces at a time. Fry until golden and cooked through, about 8–12 minutes depending on size. Flip once, and don’t poke it every 2 seconds — let it do its thing.
  • Let it chill… just a bit
    Place your fried masterpieces on a wire rack (or paper towels if you’re me) and let them sit for a few minutes. That’s when the magic crispiness settles in.

Notes

  • Don’t skip the buttermilk soak — it tenderizes the meat like magic.
  • Let the coating rest before frying to help it stick better.
  • For extra crunch, double-dip: buttermilk > flour > repeat.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F to bring back the crisp.
  • Want it spicier? Add more cayenne or toss with hot sauce before serving.
Keyword crispy fried chicken