🍗 Best Fried Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Juicy & Full of Flavor

If you’ve been searching for the best fried chicken recipe, your hunt ends here! This classic Southern-style fried chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend dinner, family get-together, or backyard picnic, this golden fried chicken will steal the show every single time.

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🔥 Why This Fried Chicken Recipe Is the Best

This isn’t just another fried chicken recipe — it’s the one. The secret lies in three things:

1. Buttermilk marinade for tender and juicy meat.
2. Perfectly seasoned coating with a flavorful blend of spices.
3. Crisp, golden frying technique that guarantees crunch in every bite.

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🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lbs chicken (legs, thighs, or breast pieces)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil or peanut oil

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
   Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
2. Prepare the Coating
   Combine flour, cornstarch, and all seasonings in a separate bowl.
3. Coat the Chicken
   Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
   Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so it sticks.
   Let coated chicken rest for 10 minutes — this helps the crust adhere.
4. Heat the Oil
   Pour oil into a deep frying pan or Dutch oven (about 2 inches deep).
   Heat to 350°F (175°C) — use a thermometer for best results.
5. Fry the Chicken
   Fry in small batches for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain & Serve
   Place fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
   Serve hot with your favorite sides — mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.

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🧂 Pro Tips for the Crispiest Fried Chicken

✅ Use buttermilk — it tenderizes and adds tangy flavor.
✅ Cornstarch makes the coating extra crunchy.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the pan — it lowers oil temperature and makes chicken soggy.
✅ Double dredge (flour → buttermilk → flour again) for restaurant-style crunch.
✅ Rest the fried chicken on a rack (not paper towels) to keep it crisp.

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

Pair your fried chicken with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes and gravy
• Fluffy biscuits
• Tangy coleslaw
• Sweet corn on the cob
• Hot sauce for dipping

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💛 Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

This fried chicken recipe is:
✔️ Perfectly crispy and golden every time
✔️ Seasoned with the right blend of herbs and spices
✔️ Easy to make at home
✔️ Family-approved comfort food classic

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🥄 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 22g

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🏆 Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like homemade fried chicken — the crackle of the crust, the juicy tenderness inside, and that irresistible flavor in every bite. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never need another one. It’s the kind of dish that turns any dinner into a special occasion.