Crispy fried chicken is a universally loved dish with a golden, crunchy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior. Perfect for family meals, parties, or casual gatherings, this recipe is simple yet irresistible. Pair it with your favorite dips, fries, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 kg chicken pieces, skin-on (legs, thighs, wings, or breasts)
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornflour
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Frying:
- Oil, for deep frying
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine milk and lemon juice. Let it rest for 10 minutes to prepare buttermilk.
- To the buttermilk, add garlic powder, paprika powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Coating
- In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornflour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika powder, red chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate or wire rack and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the coating to set.
- Dip the chicken pieces again in the buttermilk, then coat them a second time in the flour mixture. Let them rest for another 5 minutes.
4. Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.
5. Serve
- Serve the crispy fried chicken hot with your favorite dips, fries, or coleslaw.
Tips
- Marinating the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes it and infuses it with flavor.
- Letting the coating rest before frying helps it adhere better to the chicken.
- Maintain the oil temperature to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without becoming greasy.
Nutrition Chart for Crispy Fried Chicken (per serving, approximately 4 servings)
• Calories —————— 450 kcal
• Total Fat —————— 25 g
• Cholesterol ————— 100 mg
• Sodium ——————– 800 mg
• Total Carbohydrates — 30 g
• Protein ——————— 28 g
• Sugar ———————— 2 g
• Fiber ———————— 2 g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used and cooking methods.