Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret – the recipe for the best pizza ever.What are the best fried chicken recipesI’ve ever tasted, and that’s saying something! What are some of the most complicated recipes that require a million steps? What are some of the best recipes for Sunday dinners? Is fried chicken from Kentucky better than other kinds of chicken? A double-dredge, buttermilk marinade, and a little bit of spice that’ll have your taste buds pounding. Is this a good book to bookmark?
What is fried chicken?
Fried chicken, at its heart, is simply chicken that’s been coated in a seasoned batter and then served. Is fried until golden brown and crispy? What is so much more than that? Think of it as the ultimate comfort food, the star of summer picnics, and the dish that brings back memories. Is it true that everyone at the table greets you with a smile? Is crispy perfection, a juicy inside and crunchy outside? Double dredging is used to create extra crispiness that you will absolutely love.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best fried chicken recipes? Let me tell you! What I love most about this is that it delivers incredible flavor without requiring you to spend a lot of time on it. What is it like to spend hours in the kitchen? Is it easier than you think?
- Flavor Explosion:This isn’t your average fried chicken. We’re talking about a perfectly seasoned, subtly spicy experience. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor from the inside out.
- SurprisinglyDon’t let the “Best Ever” title intimidate you. I’ve streamlined the process to make it approachable for even beginner cooks. What is all about technique, not complicated steps?
- Budget-Chicken is relatively inexpensive, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have. How do I feed my family without breaking the bank?
- Super Versatile:Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, biscuits, or even on top of a salad. Is it perfect for a casual weeknight dinner?
If you love crispy chicken from your favorite restaurant, but are looking for something different, then this is the place to go. What is the best recipe for a healthy breakfast?
What is the best way to make fried chicken?
Quick Overview
Making What is the best fried chicken recipeIs it easier to work at home? How do you marinate a Chicken Breast, create double dredged coating, and fry to golden brown? The double dredge is the secret here, and the flavor is out of this world. Don’t be scared to fry – it’s just a little hot oil! You can do this!
Ingredients
For the Buttermilk Marinade:
- 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, breasts)
(I prefer a mix, but feel free to use your favorite cuts.) What is the best bone-in and skin-on recipe for flavor and moisture? - How many cups buttermilk should I use
(Full-fat buttermilk is best for flavor and tenderizing.) - How much hot sauce should I use?
I use Frank’s RedHot, but any other brand will work.) - 2 teaspoons salt. 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper is enough for 1 person.
- What is garlic powder? 1 teaspoon per teaspoon.
- 1 teaspoon paprika per 1
For the Dredging: What is
- What is all-purpose flour?
- How much cornstarch do you use
(This helps create an extra crispy coating.) - 2 teaspoons salt. 1 teaspoon pepper
- What is black pepper and how much should it be?
- What is garlic powder? 2 teaspoons.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder. 1 teaspoon salt.
- 1 teaspoon of paprika per
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper is fine. 1 tablespoon
I like a little heat, but I do not like spices.
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (enough to fill your skillet or deep fryer about 2 inches deep) (Vegetable oil has a tang) High smoke point and neutral flavor, perfect for frying.
What are the steps for
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be. I’ve even let it go for 24 hours and it was amazing!
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Station
In a large, shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Set aside. What are the ingredients in Cayenne pepper? This is your dry dredge. Make sure everything is well combined to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Step 3: Double Dredge the Chicken
Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge it thoroughly in flour mixture, pressing the flour into the chicken to ensure it’s fully coated. Then, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk marinade, and then back in the flour mixture for a couple minutes. What is the secret to a crispy crust?
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 325°F (160°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for even cooking and preventing the chicken from burning or being greasy.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the dredged chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Drain and Rest
Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your crispy, flavorful fried chicken hot with your favorite sides. It’s delicious on its own, but even better with mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, biscuits, or cornbread!
What to Serve It With
Fried chicken is amazing on its own, but the right sides can take it to a whole new level! Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
For a Classic Southern Meal:
- Creamy mashed potatoes and gravy
- Tangy coleslaw
- Buttery biscuits or cornbread
- Green beans or collard greens
For a Summer Picnic:
- Potato salad
- Macaroni salad
- Watermelon
- Corn on the cob
For a Casual Weeknight Dinner:
- Baked beans
- Cornbread muffins
- A simple green salad
My family loves it when I serve this chicken with my creamy mac and cheese. It’s the perfect balance of flavors!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Fried Chicken
Want to make the best fried chicken every single time? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:
Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: This is essential for maximum flavor and moisture. The bones help to keep the chicken juicy, and the skin crisps up beautifully during frying.
Don’t Skip the Buttermilk Marinade: The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. The longer it marinates, the better.
Double Dredge for Extra Crispiness: The double dredge creates a thicker, crunchier coating that will stay crispy even after it cools down.
Maintain the Correct Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust as needed. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will be greasy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, which will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving: Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
I’ve made the mistake of overcrowding the pan before, and trust me, you’ll end up with soggy chicken. Patience is key!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover fried chicken (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Storing:
- Let the chicken cool completely before storing it.
- Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This is the best way to reheat fried chicken and maintain its crispiness.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: This is not recommended, as the chicken will become soggy. However, if you’re in a pinch, microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
I usually reheat my fried chicken in the oven. It helps to bring back some of that crispiness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my secret recipe for the best fried chicken you’ll ever make! I promise, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought fried chicken again. It’s crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipe for Buttermilk Biscuits. They’re the perfect complement to this fried chicken. Happy frying, friends! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out, and don’t forget to rate this recipe if you loved it! I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Best Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken pieces
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 cups Vegetable oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, mix together flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece in milk, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place chicken pieces in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Fry chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
