Growing up, my grandma’s famous fried chicken was the highlight of every Sunday dinner. The crispy, golden crust and juicy, flavorful meat had us all begging for seconds. When I moved out on my own, I was determined to recreate that magical taste from my childhood. After many trials and errors, I finally perfected an easy fried chicken recipe that captures all the nostalgic flavors I remember. Let me tell you, this easy fried chicken is going to become your new go-to!
Why This Easy Fried Chicken Recipe Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the mouthwatering crunch of homemade fried chicken. But achieving that perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior can be tricky. The secret to this easy fried chicken recipe is in the two-step breading process. First, the chicken is dredged in seasoned flour, then dipped in buttermilk before being fried to golden perfection. The buttermilk helps the breading adhere beautifully, resulting in a super crispy crust that seals in all those delicious juices. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to this easy fried chicken recipe is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the star players:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces – Chicken breast is a lean, versatile protein that cooks up quickly. Cutting it into bite-sized pieces helps it cook evenly and maximizes the crunchy coating.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The flour is the base of the crispy breading. Make sure to use all-purpose for the perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder adds an irresistible savory flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Paprika lends a subtle smoky note and beautiful color to the breading.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – These classic seasonings balance the flavors and ensure the chicken is seasoned all the way through.
- 1 cup buttermilk – The buttermilk helps the breading adhere to the chicken and contributes to that signature crunch.
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying – High-heat oil like vegetable or canola is essential for achieving that signature golden-brown crust.
Step-by-Step Easy Fried Chicken Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
This easy fried chicken recipe takes just 35 minutes total – 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time. To get started, you’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven, a shallow bowl or plate, and some tongs or a slotted spoon.
1- First, cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. This bite-sized shape ensures the chicken cooks evenly and maximizes the crunchy coating.
2- In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mix the dry ingredients until well combined.
3- Pour the buttermilk into another shallow bowl. Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
4- Working in batches, dredge the buttermilk-coated chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere.
5- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
6- Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate and season with additional salt if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- For the crispiest results, make sure to let the oil come up to temperature before adding the chicken. The oil should be around 350°F.
- Resist the urge to move the chicken too much while frying. Letting it cook undisturbed helps the breading set.
- Work in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent the chicken from steaming instead of frying.
- For extra flavor, try substituting buttermilk with your favorite hot sauce or pickle juice.
- Let the fried chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes before serving. This helps any excess oil drain off.
Serving and Storing Your Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
This easy fried chicken recipe makes 4 servings, so it’s perfect for a family dinner or small gathering. For a classic pairing, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, and fluffy dinner rolls. A pitcher of sweet tea or lemonade would also be a refreshing accompaniment.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more elevated, try pairing the fried chicken with a fresh, crisp salad and roasted veggies. The crunchy texture and savory flavors of the chicken contrast beautifully with the lighter, healthier sides.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For longer-term storage, the fried chicken can also be frozen. Place the cooked and cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen chicken to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen fried chicken in a 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes.
To get a head start on this recipe, the chicken can be breaded up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to fry. This makes for a super quick and easy meal on busy weeknights.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
Creative Easy Fried Chicken Recipe Variations
Once you master this basic easy fried chicken recipe, the possibilities are endless! Try coating the chicken in panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture. For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture. You could also experiment with different seasoning blends, like Cajun, lemon-pepper, or even Italian herbs.
In the summer, swap out the chicken for fried green tomatoes or zucchini for a fresh twist. And around the holidays, consider using the easy fried chicken recipe as the base for a showstopping chicken and waffles dish.
Making Easy Fried Chicken Recipe Diet-Friendly
Looking to make this easy fried chicken recipe a bit healthier? You’ve got options! For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour or crushed pork rinds also make excellent low-carb substitutions.
To make it vegan, replace the chicken with extra-firm tofu or plant-based chicken tenders. Use unsweetened almond or soy milk in place of the buttermilk. And for the oil, opt for a heart-healthy oil like avocado or coconut oil.
No matter how you customize it, this easy fried chicken recipe is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings in the most delicious way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work beautifully in this recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as thighs tend to take a bit longer to cook through.
Q: How long does it take to fry the chicken?
A: This easy fried chicken recipe has a total cook time of 20 minutes. The chicken pieces should fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, the breaded chicken can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to fry. This makes for a super quick and easy meal on busy weeknights.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This easy fried chicken recipe serves 4 people. The ingredient amounts can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.
Q: What should I do if the breading isn’t sticking to the chicken?
A: Make sure to thoroughly pat the chicken dry before dredging it in the flour mixture. The buttermilk helps the breading adhere, so be sure to dip the chicken in it completely. If you’re still having trouble, try adding a bit of beaten egg to the buttermilk mixture.
Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Prepare restaurant-quality crispy fried chicken at home in just 20 minutes with this easy, foolproof recipe. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden-brown perfection, this Easy Fried Chicken Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow bowl.
3. Dip the chicken pieces into the buttermilk, then coat them in the seasoned flour, pressing to adhere.
4. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F.
5. Working in batches, fry the coated chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, let the coated pieces rest for 10-15 minutes before frying. You can also bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This easy fried chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food – perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. With just a few simple ingredients and some expert tips, you can achieve restaurant-quality fried chicken right at home. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become your new go-to recipe. So gather your friends and family, fire up the stovetop, and get ready to dig into the most delicious fried chicken of your life. Bon appétit!
