“My hubsand gets giddy when he sees that I’m making these.”

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

“My hubsand gets giddy when he sees that I’m making these.”

Instructions for Crispy, Flavorful Fried Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing your chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Add the hot sauce, if using, and stir to combine. Let the chicken soak for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge) for maximum tenderness and flavor.
2. Make the Seasoned Flour: In a separate shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This blend of seasonings will give your chicken that deep, savory flavor with a hint of spice.
3. Coat the Chicken: Once your chicken has marinated, remove each piece from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge the chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. For an extra crispy texture, you can double-dip by dipping the chicken back into the buttermilk and then the flour mixture again. The double coating creates an extra crispy crust.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to reach around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small bit of flour—if it sizzles and bubbles immediately, it’s ready.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 12-15 minutes per batch, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked through—an instant-read thermometer should register 165°F (75°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
6. Drain and Rest: Once the chicken is golden and crispy, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This step helps maintain the crispy texture while allowing the juices to redistribute.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy fried chicken hot with your favorite sides. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or even a fresh salad. And, of course, don’t forget the dipping sauces—whether it’s ranch, hot sauce, or honey mustard, they’re the perfect finishing touch.

Why This Recipe Will Make Your Family Giddy

This crispy fried chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a moment of joy. From the sizzling sound of the chicken frying to the mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table in anticipation. My husband always gets giddy when he sees me making this because he knows exactly what’s coming: a juicy, flavorful piece of fried chicken with the perfect crispy crust.

Tips for the Best Fried Chicken

• Don’t skip the buttermilk soak: This step is key to tender, juicy chicken. The acidity in the buttermilk helps break down the proteins, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
• Fry at the right temperature: Too hot, and the coating will burn before the chicken is fully cooked; too cool, and the chicken will absorb too much oil. Keep the oil at a steady 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
• Double-coating for extra crunch: For an extra crispy crust, don’t be afraid to double-coat your chicken. The second dip in buttermilk and flour creates a thicker, crunchier crust that stays crispy longer.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the happiness that comes from making a meal that everyone loves. My husband’s excitement when he sees me preparing this fried chicken is a testament to just how good it is. With the right balance of seasoning, the perfect crispy crust, and tender, juicy chicken inside, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your home as well.

So, the next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that will have your family giddy with excitement, try this crispy fried chicken recipe. It’s sure to leave everyone coming back for more!