Crispy Chicken Recipe
Enjoy the ultimate crispy chicken recipe with a golden, crunchy coating and juicy inside. Easy, delicious, and addictive perfect for aEnjoy the ultimate crispy chicken recipe with a golden, crunchy coating and juicy inside. Easy, delicious, and addictive perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into strips or left whole)
- 1 cup buttermilk for extra tenderness
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Crispy Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch for extra crispiness
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for spice
For Frying:
- 2 cups vegetable oil for deep frying
- For Baked/Air-Fried Option:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by selecting fresh, high-quality chicken. You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks whichever you prefer.
- Pat the chicken dry using a paper towel. Removing excess moisture ensures better crispiness when frying.
- If using chicken breasts, cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
Step 2: Marinate for Flavor
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while enhancing flavor.
- Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade and cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (for best results, refrigerate overnight).
Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and seasonings (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder).
- In another bowl, beat two eggs and add a splash of water or milk for extra crispiness.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off.
- Dip each piece into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour again. Double-coating ensures extra crunch!
Step 5: Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in small batches for 8-12 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Place fried chicken on a wire rack to keep it crispy.