Description
Crispy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken with a golden-brown coating that stays put during frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 pounds chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks recommended)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjustable)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (for gluten-free version)
Instructions
- Mix flour with seasonings in a large bowl.
- Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Dredge chicken pieces in seasoned flour mixture.
- Let coated chicken rest for 20 minutes for better coating adhesion.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a large, deep skillet.
- Fry chicken pieces for 12-15 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blend plus xanthan gum.
- For less spicy chicken, reduce cayenne and increase paprika.
- Dark meat yields juicier results than white meat.
- Can be made ahead and reheated at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Ensure oil temperature stays consistent for proper cooking.
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: fried chicken, crispy chicken, southern fried chicken, gluten free fried chicken, make ahead fried chicken
