Here’s a classic recipe for fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, wings)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the surface to coat well. Shake off excess flour.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large cast-iron skillet or deep frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary. Fry for about 12-15 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Drain and Rest:
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
Serve your fried chicken with your favorite sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. Enjoy the crispy goodness!