This crispy golden fried chicken recipe delivers the perfect crunch and juicy tenderness in every bite. With a flavorful seasoning blend and a perfectly crisp coating, this recipe is ideal for family dinners, parties, or weekend treats. Follow these simple steps to achieve restaurant-quality fried chicken at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This process helps tenderize the chicken and enhances its flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, baking powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and mustard powder. This combination ensures a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. This step helps the coating stick to the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dip each piece into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and back into the flour mixture for a double coating. This ensures maximum crunch.
- Heat the Oil: In a large, deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the chicken pieces.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Rest: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain crispiness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crispy golden fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauces, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for a complete meal.
Enjoy this homemade fried chicken recipe that delivers the perfect balance of crunch and juiciness every time!