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Ultimate Crispy Chicken Meal Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus minimum 1 hour marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Ultimate Crispy Chicken Meal Recipe delivers perfectly golden, crunchy fried chicken that’s juicy on the inside. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and hot sauce, then double-dredged in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture, this chicken achieves a superb crispy crust. Served alongside classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and buttery biscuits, it makes for a comforting and satisfying main course perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Vegetable oil for frying (enough for 1½–2 inches in skillet)

For the Sides:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Coleslaw
  • Biscuits
  • Favorite dipping sauce such as hot honey or ranch

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to ensure the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.
  2. Make the dredge: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly to create a well-seasoned coating for the chicken.
  3. Bread the chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating. For an extra crispy crust, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and repeat the dredging process a second time.
  4. Fry the chicken: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of 1½–2 inches and heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, cooking each piece for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and crunchy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Once cooked, transfer chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  5. Serve the meal: Arrange the crispy fried chicken on plates alongside mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and warm biscuits. Offer hot honey, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauces for serving. Enjoy your ultimate crispy chicken meal!

Notes

  • Cornstarch and baking powder in the dredge help achieve an extra crunchy texture.
  • Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts are a great lean alternative.
  • Using a thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken without over- or undercooking.
  • Marinate overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Drain fried chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels to maintain crispiness.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/ultimate-crispy-chicken-meal-recipe/