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Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe Easy Juicy Tender Meat Perfection

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A simple and delicious crispy fried chicken recipe featuring a double-dip breading technique and buttermilk marinade for juicy, tender meat with a perfectly crunchy crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs mixed drumsticks and thighs, skin-on
  • 2 cups buttermilk (can substitute with milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • About 4 cups vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil recommended)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with 2 cups of buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Prepare the breading mix: In another large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  3. Heat the oil: Pour about 4 cups of vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy pot. Heat to 350°F (175°C), maintaining temperature with a thermometer.
  4. Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly. For extra crunch, dip coated piece back into buttermilk briefly, then coat again in flour mixture.
  5. Fry in batches: Lower chicken pieces into hot oil, 5-6 pieces max. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Drain and rest: Transfer chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Serve hot with your favorite sides or dipping sauces.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature between 325°F and 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt chicken. Double-dip the chicken in flour for extra crunch. Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding. Let chicken rest on a wire rack to keep crust crispy. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and cornstarch with arrowroot powder. For dairy-free marinade, substitute buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk plus 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy fried chicken, fried chicken recipe, buttermilk fried chicken, double-dip breading, southern fried chicken, easy fried chicken, juicy fried chicken

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/crispy-fried-chicken-recipe-easy-juicy-tender-meat-perfection/