In my kitchen, cooking crispy fried chicken has always been a favorite activity. I have so many memories of how exciting it was to bite into that perfectly crunchy, golden-brown skin. The smell that fills the house, the sound of the chicken sizzling in the hot oil, and the way everyone gathers around and waits to eat are all so satisfying. The point of this recipe isn’t just to make food; it’s also to bring people together and share stories over a tasty, home-cooked meal.
I can still remember the first time I tried to fry chicken by myself. I was nervous but excited, just like my grandmother was when she taught me how to cook in her kitchen. Let’s just say it didn’t turn out great. Some parts were overcooked and others barely soaked up the batter. But that was the start of the trip! After many tries, recipe changes, and a few kitchen disasters, I’ve finally found this crispy fried chicken recipe that my family loves. I can’t wait to tell you about it!
Are you ready to fry up some delicious chicken that is crispy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying? Put on your apron and get ready for a tasty adventure!
What goes into crispy fried chicken?
This recipe is easy, but you need good ingredients to get that famous crunch and taste. Here’s a list of what you’ll need and why I love each one:
I like to use chicken pieces with bones and skin, like thighs and drumsticks. This choice not only adds flavor, but it also helps keep the meat juicy. You can definitely use chicken breasts, but you might have to pay a little more attention to them while they fry to make sure they stay tender.
Buttermilk is the secret weapon here. It makes the chicken softer and gives it a nice tangy flavor. It’s very important for getting the inside juicy. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can quickly make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about five minutes.
All-purpose flour is the main ingredient in the crispy coating. I mix cornstarch with all-purpose flour to make the food even crispier. Cornstarch soaks up moisture and helps make that crunchy texture.
I love using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper as spices. They give a little heat and a lot of flavor. You can change the spices to your taste. Some people like it spicier, while others like it milder.
Salt and pepper are important for flavoring. I always make sure to use a lot of seasoning because it brings out all the flavors.
Vegetable oil is used for frying. I usually use peanut oil or vegetable oil because they have a high smoke point, which is important for frying at the right temperature. You want the oil to be hot enough to make the chicken crispy but not so hot that it burns!
Is eating crispy fried chicken good for you?
Now let’s talk about the health benefits and things to think about. Fried chicken can be a treat, but let’s look at it more closely.
Chicken is a great source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscles. Dark meat, like thighs, has more iron and zinc than white meat. But if you’re watching your fats, you might want to stick with leaner cuts or grill instead.
Buttermilk: It can be good for you because it has probiotics in it, which are good for your digestive health. Also, buttermilk has calcium, which is good for your bones. But if you’re lactose intolerant, you might want to look into dairy-free options.
Frying: It does add calories, but it’s all about balance! It’s okay to eat fried food every now and then. I also think it would be better to eat it with some fresh vegetables or a side salad.
It’s important to be careful about how much and how often you eat fried foods because they can be bad for your health. That being said, you can definitely include this crispy fried chicken in your meals. Just make sure to save it for special occasions!
List of Ingredients
To make this crispy fried chicken recipe, which serves about four people, you’ll need the following:
– 4 to 6 pieces of chicken with bones and skin (thighs and drumsticks are best)
– 2 cups of buttermilk
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour – 1/2 cup of cornstarch – 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
– 2 tsp. onion powder
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more or less to taste)
– To taste, salt and pepper – For frying, vegetable oil
How to Make Fried Chicken Crispy
Are you ready to fry? Here’s how to make that perfect crispy fried chicken step by step:
1. **Soak the Chicken in Marinade:** Put the chicken pieces and buttermilk in a big bowl and mix them together. Make sure that every piece is well-covered. Cover and put in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight. The longer, the better! This step really makes the food more tender and tasty.
2. **Get the Coating Ready:** In a different big bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a lot of salt and pepper with a whisk. I like to use a big, shallow dish for this because it’s easier to coat the chicken.
3. **Warm up the oil:** Put oil in a big, deep skillet or Dutch oven until it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil on medium-high heat until it gets to about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a little batter into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles, you’re ready to go!
4. **Coat the Chicken:** Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk, shake off the extra, and dip it in the flour mixture. Make sure to cover each piece completely. You can double dip—back to the buttermilk and then back to the flour—for extra crunch.
5. **Cook the chicken in oil:** Put the pieces of chicken in the hot oil carefully, with the skin side down. Fry in small groups so that the pan doesn’t get too full, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry each piece for 12 to 15 minutes, turning it now and then, until it is golden brown and cooked all the way through. The inside should be 165°F (75°C).
6. **Get the Chicken Out of the Water:** After cooking, take the chicken out of the oil and let it drain on a wire rack or paper towels to get rid of extra oil. While it’s still hot, add a little more salt.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Before serving, let the chicken sit for a few minutes. This step is very important because it lets the juices settle. You can serve it with your favorite sides, like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
Fun ways to eat your crispy fried chicken!
Now that you know how to make the classic dish, let’s talk about some ways to make it your own:
1. **Make it Spicy:** If you’re feeling brave, you could add some herbs or spices to the flour mix, like cumin, chili powder, or even dried thyme. You could even add some heat to your buttermilk marinade by adding a splash of hot sauce.
2. **Marinade with Pickle Juice:** Instead of buttermilk, try marinating your chicken in pickle juice for a tangy twist. This will make the meat more tender and give it a unique taste.
3. **Option without gluten:** If you can’t eat gluten, use a gluten-free mix instead of the all-purpose flour or almond flour for a nutty flavor.
4. **Version for baking:** If you want to eat fried chicken with less oil, try baking it instead! After coating, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray and bake it in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, turning it over halfway through.
5. **How to Serve:** Try putting your crispy fried chicken in a sandwich instead of the usual sides. Put it on a soft bun with pickles and slaw, and you’ll have a great chicken sandwich that your family and friends will love.
I’ve found that any variation you choose is always great! Each choice has its own personality, but they all have that classic fried chicken comfort.
I hope this recipe for crispy fried chicken makes you want to try it! To be honest, it’s a lot of fun, and the result is always satisfying. You not only get to eat something that is deliciously crispy, but you also make a dish that brings people together. Please tell me how your fried chicken turns out or if you add any personal touches to make it your own! Have fun cooking!
