The Best Homemade Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade fried chicken recipe brings juicy, crispy goodness to your kitchen with minimal effort. You’ll love how simple it is to make, using everyday ingredients you probably already have.
- The chicken stays tender and moist on the inside, while the outside turns golden and perfectly crunchy.
- It’s customizable—swap spices or add a bit of heat to make it your own.
- Cleaning up is a breeze since everything comes together in just one skillet.
Recipe
Crispy, golden fried chicken made at home with a simple batter and classic seasoning. This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces (or 4 lbs of chicken parts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Place chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken pieces in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve hot.
Notes:
Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent for even cooking. Overcrowding the pan can drop the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Equipment:
Deep skillet or Dutch oven, thermometer, tongs, wire rack
Time:
Prep: 15 minutes (+ marinating time)
Cooking: 30 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
4 servings
Nutrition
Fried chicken provides a satisfying balance of protein and fats. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 420 | 25g | 22g | 30g | 2g | 1g |
What To Serve With It
I can’t imagine serving fried chicken without classic side dishes like mashed potatoes or coleslaw—they’re just the perfect match. If I’m feeling lighter, I love adding a fresh salad with crisp greens and a tangy dressing to balance things out. Either way, you can’t go wrong!
Classic Side Dishes
When you’re serving up golden, crispy fried chicken, you’ll want sides that balance the meal perfectly—something creamy, crunchy, or tangy to round it all out. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, especially with a rich gravy to drizzle over everything. Creamy coleslaw adds a cool crunch that pairs beautifully with the chicken’s savory flavor. Cornbread, slightly sweet and crumbly, is another must-have that soaks up juices perfectly. For a tangy kick, baked beans or mac and cheese are comforting additions. These sides create that cozy, hearty meal I always crave with fried chicken—simple yet totally satisfying.
Fresh Salad Options
Though fried chicken is rich and indulgent, a fresh salad can lighten things up while still keeping the meal satisfying. I love pairing mine with a crisp, tangy coleslaw—it’s crunchy, creamy, and cuts through the richness perfectly. A simple garden salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette works wonders too. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toss together a kale Caesar with crunchy croutons and a lemony dressing. The key is balancing textures and flavors, so every bite feels fresh but never boring. Trust me, a good salad turns fried chicken from a guilty pleasure into a well-rounded feast.
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