e fried chicken

Instructions for Making Easy Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture, which can prevent the chicken from getting crispy. If you want extra crispy chicken, leave the skin on. The skin helps lock in moisture and adds to the crunchiness.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken in Buttermilk

In a bowl or large resealable bag, combine the buttermilk, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it well and add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). Marinating in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds extra flavor.

Step 3: Make the Seasoned Flour Coating

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the seasoned flour mixture. In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. The seasoned flour is key to getting a crispy, flavorful crust on your fried chicken.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Then, dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C) for frying. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread or flour—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

If the chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium to allow the inside to cook through without burning the crust.

Step 7: Drain and Rest

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken juicy on the inside.

Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked through without being dry, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for poultry.
2. Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the skillet can lower the temperature of the oil, which will result in greasy and unevenly cooked chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
3. Let the Chicken Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside, ensuring tender, juicy chicken.
4. For Extra Crispy Chicken: If you like extra crispy chicken, double dredge it. After the first coat of flour, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then dredge it in the flour mixture again for an even thicker crust.
5. Change the Oil When Needed: If the oil becomes too dirty or foamy, it’s a good idea to change it to maintain the quality of your fried chicken. You can also strain the oil between batches if needed.
6. Serve Immediately: Fried chicken is best served hot and fresh. If you need to keep it warm, place it on a rack in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions for Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some classic options:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with gravy are the perfect comfort food pairing.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw balances the richness of fried chicken.
• Cornbread: Sweet, fluffy cornbread complements the savory chicken and adds a Southern touch.
• Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a classic comfort side that goes perfectly with fried chicken.
• Biscuits: Soft, buttery biscuits are the ideal accompaniment to soak up any extra juices or gravy.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken Recipe

This easy fried chicken recipe takes all the guesswork out of making crispy, juicy chicken at home. With the right seasonings, cooking techniques, and tips, you can create a meal that’s as satisfying as any fried chicken you’d find at your favorite restaurant. The golden-brown, crispy coating and tender, flavorful chicken are guaranteed to make this recipe a family favorite.

So the next time you’re craving crispy fried chicken, try this easy recipe—it’s simple, flavorful, and downright delicious. You’ll be serving up crispy, juicy chicken that everyone will love!