Nothing beats biting into a piece of homemade fried chicken with a perfectly golden, crunchy crust and tender, juicy meat inside! 🍗 Whether you prefer a crispy drumstick or a meaty chicken thigh, this classic Southern-style fried chicken recipe delivers delicious flavor and an irresistible crunch.
The secret is a well-seasoned buttermilk marinade, a flavorful flour coating, and the right frying temperature. Every piece comes out beautifully crisp on the outside while staying moist and flavorful inside.
Perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, picnics, or whenever you’re craving homemade comfort food, this extra crispy fried chicken will have everyone reaching for another piece!
Ingredients
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 2–8 hours
Cooking time: 25–35 minutes per batch
Servings: 4–6 people
For the Chicken
- 3 pounds (1.4 kg) bone-in chicken pieces, including drumsticks and thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Crispy Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For Frying
- Neutral frying oil, such as canola, sunflower, or peanut oil, as needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
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