Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise! This Super Tasty Fried Chicken recipe is not just another chicken dish - it's a crispy, golden-brown masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With a perfectly seasoned, crunchy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food that promises to elevate your home cooking game to restaurant-quality levels.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Submerge chicken thighs completely in buttermilk and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- In a separate shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a well-seasoned coating.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each chicken thigh completely in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent temperature.
- Carefully place coated chicken thighs into the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from oil and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent raw centers.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don't rush the buttermilk marination - the longer the chicken sits (up to 4 hours), the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain a consistent 350°F. Too cool, and your chicken will be greasy; too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each piece gets perfectly crispy.
- Rest Your Chicken: Let the fried chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist.
- Bonus Tip: For extra crunch, you can do a double dredge by dipping the flour-coated chicken back into buttermilk and then into flour again before frying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 237kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 37mg
