Fried Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Juicy & Perfectly Seasoned

Fried Chicken is one of the most iconic comfort foods in the world. With its crispy golden crust and juicy, flavorful interior, this dish is loved across generations. Whether served at family gatherings, parties, or weekend dinners, homemade fried chicken always brings joy to the table.

This dish became globally popular through American-style Southern fried chicken and famous chains like KFC. However, today fried chicken has many regional variations around the world, each with unique spices and techniques.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make perfectly crispy fried chicken at home using simple ingredients and easy techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Extra crispy coating
Juicy and tender inside
Easy step-by-step method
Restaurant-style results at home
Perfect for parties and family meals

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 kg chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or drumsticks)
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

For the Crispy Coating:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornflour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
Salt to taste

For Frying:

Oil for deep frying

Preparation Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marination Time: 2–4 hours (best overnight)
Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 3 hours

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces.

In a bowl, mix buttermilk, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.

Add chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight marination gives the best results.

Buttermilk makes the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture

In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornflour, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, baking powder, and salt.

Mix well.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Take each marinated chicken piece and dredge it in the flour mixture.

Press firmly so the coating sticks well.

For extra crunch, dip again in buttermilk and coat with flour mixture a second time (double coating method).

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.

The oil temperature should be around 170–175°C.

Carefully place coated chicken pieces into hot oil without overcrowding.

Fry for 12–15 minutes (depending on size) until golden brown and crispy.

Turn occasionally for even cooking.

Internal temperature should reach 75°C.

Remove and place on a wire rack to keep crisp.

Tips for Extra Crispy Fried Chicken

Marinate for at least 2 hours.
Use double coating for thicker crust.
Fry on medium heat — not too high.
Rest chicken on wire rack instead of tissue paper.
Do not overcrowd the pan.

Air Fryer Method

Preheat air fryer to 190°C.

Spray coated chicken lightly with oil.

Air fry for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

The coating will be slightly lighter but still crispy.

Oven-Baked Method

Preheat oven to 200°C.

Place coated chicken on a wire rack over baking tray.

Spray with oil and bake for 35–40 minutes until crispy and fully cooked.

Flavor Variations

1. Spicy Fried Chicken

Add extra chili powder and cayenne.

2. Garlic Butter Fried Chicken

Brush with melted garlic butter after frying.

3. Korean Style Fried Chicken

Toss fried chicken in spicy gochujang sauce.

4. Indian Masala Fried Chicken

Add garam masala and turmeric to marinade.

Serving Suggestions

Fried Chicken pairs beautifully with:

French fries
Coleslaw
Garlic dip
Mashed potatoes
Soft buns

It’s perfect for family dinners, weekend treats, and party platters.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.
Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my chicken not crispy?

Oil temperature may be too low or coating too thin.

Why is chicken raw inside?

Heat was too high; cook on medium for even cooking.

Can I skip buttermilk?

You can use milk with vinegar or yogurt.

Conclusion

Fried Chicken is the ultimate crispy comfort food. With the right marination and coating technique, you can achieve restaurant-style crunch and juicy texture at home.

Follow this step-by-step recipe and enjoy golden, crispy fried chicken with your favorite sides 🍗✨

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