Fried Chicken Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Follow Guide

If you are looking for a mouth-watering and fried chicken recipe, you have come to the right place. Fried chicken is one of the most popular dishes around the world, and for a good reason. It is a delicious and filling meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for your family, friends, or just for yourself, this recipe will surely satisfy your cravings.

In this article, we will guide you on how to prepare a perfect fried chicken recipe. We will walk you through the step-by-step process and provide you with all the necessary tips and tricks to ensure that your fried chicken comes out crispy, juicy, and flavorful.

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Preparation Time
3. Cooking Time
4. Cooking Equipment
5. Steps to Cook Fried Chicken
6. Tips and Tricks
7. Serving Suggestions
8. Health Benefits
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Fried Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds), cut into 10 pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Marination time: 2 hours

Cooking Time

• Total cooking time: 30 minutes

Cooking Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Large cast-iron skillet or deep-fryer
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Steps to Cook Fried Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Brine the Chicken

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them well with the mixture.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or deep-fryer to 350°F.
• Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture and shake off any excess.
• Dip each piece into the flour mixture, pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken to make sure it sticks well.
• Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, skin-side down.
• Fry the chicken for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Use tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the fried chicken hot and crispy.
• You can serve it with your favorite dipping sauce, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or any other side dish of your choice.

Tips and Tricks for  Fried Chicken

• Brining the chicken in a buttermilk mixture not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat and keep it moist during frying.
• Make sure to dry the chicken pieces with paper towels before dipping them in the flour mixture to ensure a crispy crust.
• The temperature of the oil is crucial for achieving fried chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet or fryer as it can lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken.
• After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack to drain any excess oil and keep it crispy.

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Chicken Recipe

• Fried chicken is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as an appetizer.
• You can serve it with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, or hot sauce.
• It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including coleslaw, mashed potatoes, cornbread, mac and cheese, green beans, or roasted vegetables.

Health Benefits of Fried Chicken

• Fried chicken is a high-calorie and high-fat food, so it should be consumed in moderation.
• However, chicken is a good source of protein and essential nutrients, such as niacin, phosphorus, and vitamin B6.
• By using buttermilk and whole wheat flour instead of regular milk and all-purpose flour, you can make this dish slightly healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use boneless chicken breast or thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

• Yes, you can use any high-heat oil, such as peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil.

3. Can I make this recipe without a deep-fryer?

• Yes, you can use a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to fry the chicken.

4. How long can I store leftover fried chicken?

• Leftover fried chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and baking powder instead of all-purpose flour and regular baking powder.