If you want fried chicken with the crispiest, most flavorful crunchy crust and juicy, tender meat inside, this recipe is for you! Follow these simple steps for a delicious homemade fried chicken everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: Bone-in pieces like thighs and drumsticks work best, but any cut will do.
- Buttermilk: Keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
- Egg: Helps the coating stick.
- Flour: All-purpose flour for the crispy crust.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch.
- Baking powder: Lightens the coating for a perfect texture.
- Spices: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika (or sweet paprika), celery salt, dried oregano.
- Oil: For frying (enough to deep-fry the chicken pieces).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and make sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight for best results). - Prepare the Coating:
In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, celery salt, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything well to blend. - Heat the Oil:
Fill a deep pot with enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). - Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, then dip each piece into the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour and make sure the chicken is fully coated. - Fry the Chicken:
Carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry, turning every 4 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 12-15 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). - Drain and Rest:
Remove the chicken from the oil and let it rest on a wire rack or paper towels for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps keep the crust crispy.
What to Serve With Fried Chicken
Pair your crispy fried chicken with classic sides like:
- Garlic parmesan mashed potatoes
- Creamy macaroni salad
- Classic coleslaw
- Roasted potato salad
- Fresh cucumber and feta salad
- Tomato, onion, and cucumber salad
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep leftover fried chicken crispy, store it in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy.
Final Tips for the Best Fried Chicken
- Marinate the chicken well for juicy, flavorful meat.
- Use a mix of flour and cornstarch for a super crunchy crust.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking and a golden crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot—fry in batches if needed.
- Let the chicken rest before serving to keep it crisp.
Enjoy your perfectly crispy, juicy fried chicken! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more amazing recipes!