Looking for, what is the best recipe for fried chicken? Follow this step-by-step guide to make crispy, golden, and juicy fried chicken every time!
Introduction
Fried chicken is one of the most delicious and loved dishes worldwide. But many home cooks struggle to achieve the perfect balance of crispy outside and juicy inside.
So, what is the best recipe for fried chicken? The secret lies in the right marinade, breading technique, and frying method. This detailed guide will walk you through the best recipe for fried chicken, ensuring your chicken is golden, crispy, and full of flavor every time.
In this article, you’ll learn here in the what is the best recipe for fried chicken:
✔️ The ultimate fried chicken recipe (step-by-step)
✔️ The best ingredients & seasonings for perfect flavor
✔️ Secret tips for extra crispy coating
✔️ The best oil & temperature for frying chicken
Let’s get started to now about what is the best recipe for fried chicken!
What Is the Best Recipe for Fried Chicken?
A great fried chicken recipe has three key components:
📌 1. Marination: This step keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful inside. Buttermilk, spices, and salt are essential.
📌 2. Breading: The right flour, cornstarch, and seasoning blend create the crispiest crust.
📌 3. Frying Technique: The perfect oil temperature (350°F) ensures a golden-brown crust without making the chicken greasy.
Now, let’s dive into the best recipe for fried chicken step-by-step!
Best Fried Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients:
✔️ 4-6 pieces of chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or wings)
✔️ 2 cups buttermilk (for marination)
✔️ 1 cup all-purpose flour
✔️ ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
✔️ 2 eggs (for binding)
✔️ 1 teaspoon salt
✔️ 1 teaspoon black pepper
✔️ 1 teaspoon paprika
✔️ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
✔️ ½ teaspoon onion powder
✔️ 1 teaspoon baking powder (for light, crispy coating)
✔️ Oil for frying (peanut or vegetable oil recommended)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (for Maximum Juiciness!)
✔️ Place chicken in a large bowl.
✔️ Pour buttermilk over it, covering all pieces.
✔️ Add salt, black pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.
✔️ Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).
📌 Pro Tip: Buttermilk helps break down proteins, making the chicken extra tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
✔️ In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and all dry seasonings.
✔️ In another bowl, whisk eggs.
📌 Why Use Cornstarch? Cornstarch helps create a light, crispy texture, similar to Korean fried chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken for the Ultimate Crunch
✔️ Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade.
✔️ Dip each piece in the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and back into the flour mixture.
✔️ Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to create a thick coating.
✔️ Let coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying.
📌 Pro Tip: Letting the chicken rest helps the coating stick better, preventing it from falling off while frying.
Step 4: Heat the Oil (Perfect Frying Temperature!)
✔️ Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C).
✔️ Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.
📌 Best Oils for Frying Chicken:
✅ Peanut oil – Best for crispy texture and mild flavor.
✅ Vegetable oil – A budget-friendly option.
✅ Canola oil – Light, neutral taste.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken (Golden & Crunchy!)
✔️ Carefully place chicken into hot oil, frying in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan!).
✔️ Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway for even cooking.
✔️ Remove and drain on a wire rack (not paper towels to avoid sogginess).
📌 How to Know It’s Done:
✔️ Golden-brown crust
✔️ Internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C)
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
✔️ Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
✔️ Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or honey butter biscuits.
📌 Bonus Tip: Drizzle hot honey over fried chicken for a sweet & spicy twist!
10 Pro Best Fried Chicken Recipe: Full Cooking Guide
Here looking for what is the best recipe for fried chicken, step-by-step guide to make variety types like as crispy, golden, and juicy fried chicken every time!
| Recipe | Marination Time | Frying Time | Best Oil for Frying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Southern Fried Chicken | 8 hours | 12-15 min | Peanut oil |
| Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken | 4 hours | 12-14 min | Canola oil |
| Buttermilk Fried Chicken | 12 hours | 15 min | Vegetable oil |
| Korean Fried Chicken | No marination | 10 min | Soybean oil |
| Garlic Parmesan Chicken | 6 hours | 14 min | Olive oil |
| Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) | 2 hours | 7 min | Rice bran oil |
| Gluten-Free Fried Chicken | 6 hours | 12 min | Coconut oil |
| Honey Butter Fried Chicken | 4 hours | 14 min | Sunflower oil |
| Air Fryer Fried Chicken | 1 hour | 20 min (Air Fryer) | No oil needed |
| Lemon Herb Fried Chicken | 4 hours | 12 min | Avocado oil |
📌 Tip: Always fry chicken at 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
How to Make Fried Chicken Extra Crispy?
📌 Follow these pro tips to get the crispiest fried chicken ever!
✔️ Use cornstarch in the coating for extra crunch.
✔️ Let the breaded chicken rest before frying to help the coating stick.
✔️ Double fry the chicken for a super crispy crust.
✔️ Drain on a wire rack, not paper towels, to keep it crunchy.
Best Fried Chicken Recipe Table: Quick Reference
| Step | Instructions | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Marinate | Soak chicken in buttermilk for 4+ hours | Makes chicken juicy |
| 2. Coat | Dip in flour, eggs, then flour again | Double coating = crunchier crust |
| 3. Heat Oil | Maintain 350°F | Use peanut or vegetable oil |
| 4. Fry | 12-15 min per batch | Fry in small batches |
| 5. Drain | Place on wire rack | Avoid paper towels to keep crispy |
| 6. Serve | Rest for 5 min & enjoy! | Try with hot honey for extra flavor! |
FAQs About what is the best recipe for fried chicken
1. What’s the best way to keep fried chicken crispy?
✔️ Let it rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels.
✔️ Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes.
2. Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?
Yes! Fry at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. Why does my fried chicken turn out soggy?
✔️ You might be frying at too low a temperature.
✔️ Don’t overcrowd the pan—it lowers oil temperature.
4. What’s the best cut of chicken for frying?
✔️ Thighs and drumsticks for juicier meat.
✔️ Wings for bite-sized crunchiness.
5. Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 40 minutes, turning halfway for even crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Now you know what is the best recipe for fried chicken! With the right marinade, coating, and frying technique, you can enjoy crispy, juicy, and golden-brown fried chicken at home.
📌 Takeaway: Follow this ultimate guide and impress everyone with your restaurant-style fried chicken! 🍗🔥