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Copycat Long John Silver’s Fried Chicken
Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned—this homemade version of Long John Silver’s famous battered chicken tastes just like the original! The light, flaky coating and tender chicken inside make it irresistible.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp baking powder (for extra crispiness)
- 1 cup cold water (or club soda for a lighter batter)
- 1 egg, beaten (optional, for richer batter)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (or peanut oil), for deep frying
For Serving (Optional):
- Tartar sauce
- French fries
- Coleslaw
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken into thin strips (similar to Long John Silver’s size).
- Pat dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
2. Make the Batter
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and baking powder.
- Gradually whisk in cold water (or club soda) and egg (if using) until smooth. The batter should be thin, like pancake batter.
3. Heat the Oil
- Fill a deep fryer or heavy pot with 2-3 inches of oil and heat to 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry the Chicken
- Dip each chicken strip into the batter, letting excess drip off.
- Carefully place in hot oil (don’t overcrowd—fry in batches).
- Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Serve Hot!
- Enjoy with tartar sauce, fries, and coleslaw for the full Long John Silver’s experience.
Tips for the Best Copycat Chicken:
✔ Extra crispy? Double-dip in batter for a thicker coating.
✔ Lighter batter? Use club soda or beer instead of water.
✔ Gluten-free? Substitute with rice flour & gluten-free cornstarch.
✔ Oven option? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 mins on a wire rack (spray with oil for crispiness).
This Copycat Long John Silver’s Chicken is just as crispy and delicious as the original! Let me know if you want a fish version too. 😊🍗
