Crispy Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- 6chicken thighs
skin-on, bone-in
- 6chicken drumsticks
skin-on, bone-in
- 3 cbuttermilk
- ½ cfrank's redhot cayenne pepper sauce
- 2 tspsalt
- 1 tspblack pepper
- 3 call-purpose flour
- ½ ccornstarch
- 1 tbspsalt
- 1 tbsppaprika
- 2 tsponion powder
- 2 tspgarlic powder
- 1 tspdried oregano
- 1 tspdried basil
- 1 tspwhite pepper
- 1 tspcayenne pepper
- 1 quartvegetable oil
for frying
Directions
- 1
Pat 6 chicken thighs and 6 chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Trim off any excess loose skin, if any.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, stir together 3 cups buttermilk, 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Cayenne Pepper Sauce, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Use tongs to submerge the chicken thighs and drumsticks in the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, up to 24 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- 3
When ready to cook, pour enough oil into a large heavy skillet to reach about 3/4 inch to 1 inch deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
- 4
While the oil is heating, prepare the dredging mixture. In a shallow dish or another large resealable plastic bag, combine the 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons onion powder2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon white pepper, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
- 5
Set up a breading station: remove one piece of chicken at a time from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken in the dredging mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. Press the mixture onto the chicken lightly, then shake off any excess.
- 6
Carefully place 3–4 pieces of chicken in the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken for approximately 14 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For dark meat, aim for 172–175°F for best results. Monitor the oil temperature, keeping it between 300–350°F. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain this range.
- 7
While the chicken is cooking, set a wire rack over a baking sheet. Remove the cooked chicken with tongs and place it on the wire rack. If desired, keep the chicken warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while frying the remaining pieces.
- 8
Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Crispy Fried Chicken
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 121 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that legendary crunch and juicy interior of perfect fried chicken, but intimidated by the process? This recipe shows you how to achieve truly restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Why This Crispy Fried Chicken Works
What truly sets this Crispy Fried Chicken apart is the ingenious combination of a buttermilk and Frank's RedHot marinade that ensures every piece of chicken is incredibly tender and packed with flavor, along with a meticulously crafted flour dredge. The buttermilk tenderizes the meat while the hot sauce infuses a subtle tang and warmth. The secret to that shatteringly crisp coating? A generous addition of cornstarch to the seasoned flour, which creates an extra-crispy shell that locks in all the succulent juices.
What to Expect
Prepare for a feast of sensory delights. With your first bite, you'll experience an undeniable, satisfying crispness that gives way to incredibly moist and juicy chicken meat. The exterior boasts a golden-brown hue, heavily seasoned with a blend of savory spices like paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, complemented by hints of oregano and basil. A gentle warmth from the cayenne pepper and Frank's RedHot rounds out the flavor, making each piece utterly irresistible without being overwhelmingly spicy. This is hearty, comforting food at its best, perfect for satisfying serious cravings.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe is perfected with chicken thighs and drumsticks, you can adjust the heat level to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper in the flour dredge. If you prefer a less spicy profile, you can also reduce the Frank's RedHot in the marinade. For a slightly different flavor, experiment with other hot sauces in the marinade, though Frank's RedHot provides its signature tang.
Serving & Context
This Crispy Fried Chicken is the ultimate centerpiece for any casual gathering, from a weekend BBQ to a family dinner. Serve it hot alongside your favorite comfort food sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread for a truly complete and satisfying meal.