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–+ servings

Crispy Golden Fried Chicken

precious chidera
Crispy, golden, and irresistible. This crunchy chicken recipe is perfect for when you want comfort food that delivers both flavour and texture.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marination 12 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort food, Southern
Servings 6 people
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 Large mixing bowls
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Deep skillet or fryer
  • 1 Wire rack
  • 1 Tongs
  • 1 Food thermometer

Ingredients
  

Marinade

  • 3 lb chicken drumsticks or thighs
  • 4 cups 4 cups buttermilk
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

Seasoning Mix

  • 2 cups flour or gluten-free flour
  • 2 cups cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

Wet Batter

  • 1 cup seasoning mix
  • 1 cup cold water

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning.
  • Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight preferred).

Prepare Seasoning Mix

  • In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning.
  • Reserve 1 cup for the wet batter.

Make the Wet Batter

  • Whisk 1 cup of the seasoning mix with 1 cup cold water until smooth.

Coat the Chicken

  • Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.
  • Dredge chicken in the dry seasoning mix.
  • Dip into wet batter, then coat again in the dry seasoning mix.

Fry the Chicken

  • Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Place on a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep crispy.

Video

Notes

  • Add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for extra flavor.
  • Use a thermometer to keep oil temp consistent for best crunch.
  • Rest chicken on a wire rack, not paper towels, to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 28gFat: 22g
Keyword buttermilk chicken, crispy chicken, fried chicken, homemade fried chicken, southern chicken recipe
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