Crispy Fried Chicken

User Reviews

4.9

351 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    20 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Brining Time

    4 hrs

  • Total Time

    4 hrs 50 mins

  • Servings

    6 servings

  • Calories

    944 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Crispy Fried Chicken

Learn how to make perfect Fried Chicken with the crispiest, most flavorful crunchy outside with moist and juicy meat on the inside. 

I Made This!

263 people made this

Save this

210 people saved this

Ingredients

Servings

Buttermilk Brine

  • 6 chicken thighs skin-on, bone-in
  • 6 chicken drumsticks skin-on, bone-in
  • 3 cups buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Cayenne Pepper Sauce
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Dredging Mixture

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Pat 6 chicken thighs and 6 chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Trim off any excess loose skin, if any.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together 3 cups buttermilk, 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Cayenne Pepper Sauce, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Use tongs to submerge the chicken thighs and drumsticks in the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, up to 24 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  3. When ready to cook, pour enough oil into a large heavy skillet to reach about 3/4 inch to 1 inch deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
  4. While the oil is heating, prepare the dredging mixture. In a shallow dish or another large resealable plastic bag, combine the 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons onion powder2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon white pepper, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
  5. Set up a breading station: remove one piece of chicken at a time from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken in the dredging mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. Press the mixture onto the chicken lightly, then shake off any excess.
  6. Carefully place 3–4 pieces of chicken in the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken for approximately 14 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For dark meat, aim for 172–175°F for best results. Monitor the oil temperature, keeping it between 300–350°F. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain this range.
  7. While the chicken is cooking, set a wire rack over a baking sheet. Remove the cooked chicken with tongs and place it on the wire rack. If desired, keep the chicken warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while frying the remaining pieces.
  8. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust the hot sauce to taste; for milder flavor, use less or omit.
  • Test the oil by dropping a small pinch of the flour mixture into it—it should sizzle immediately.
  • Adjust the hot sauce to taste; for milder flavor, use less or omit.
  • Test the oil by dropping a small pinch of the flour mixture into it—it should sizzle immediately.
  • Overcrowding the skillet will lower the oil temperature and affect the chicken’s crispness. Fry in batches.
  • Use a meat thermometer for 100% accuracy in doneness.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 2pieces Calories 944kcal (47%) Carbohydrates 66g (22%) Protein 43g (86%) Fat 56g (86%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Polyunsaturated Fat 20g Monounsaturated Fat 17g Trans Fat 0.3g Cholesterol 194mg (65%) Sodium 2847mg (119%) Potassium 695mg (20%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 1043IU (21%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 183mg (18%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 944 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 2pieces
Calories 944kcal 47%
Carbohydrates 66g 22%
Protein 43g 86%
Fat 56g 86%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Polyunsaturated Fat 20g 118%
Monounsaturated Fat 17g 85%
Trans Fat 0.3g 15%
Cholesterol 194mg 65%
Sodium 2847mg 119%
Potassium 695mg 15%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 1043IU 21%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 183mg 18%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.9

351 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love