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Crispy fried chicken is a beloved comfort food that perfectly balances crispy, golden-brown skin with juicy, tender meat. This recipe allows you to create a delicious dinner that can be enjoyed by the whole family any night of the week. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crispy fried chicken recipe is not only easy to follow, but it also delivers that satisfying crunch and flavor that everyone craves. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
- Crispy texture: The double-dipping technique gives the chicken an extra crunchy coating.
- Flavor-packed: Marinating in buttermilk infuses the chicken with moisture and flavor.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as is or with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Family-friendly: A dish that kids and adults alike will love.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best results.
- When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, add the flour. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour, coating thoroughly, then shake off any excess flour.
- For extra crispiness, dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk mixture briefly and then return to the flour for a second coating. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
- In a large skillet, pour oil to a depth of about 1 inch and heat over medium-high heat until hot (around 350°F).
- Carefully add the chicken thighs to the hot oil, skin side down, and fry for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to avoid greasy results.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken for perfect doneness.
- Allow the chicken to rest after frying to help maintain its crispiness.
Easy Variations
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
- Swap the chicken thighs for drumsticks or wings.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme or oregano, in the flour mixture for added flavor.
What to Serve With It
- Creamy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
- Mashed potatoes with gravy for a classic pairing.
- Corn on the cob for a delightful side.
- Biscuit or cornbread to soak up any juices.
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftover crispy fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 1 hour (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best results.
- When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, add the flour. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour, coating thoroughly, then shake off any excess flour.
- For extra crispiness, dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk mixture briefly and then return to the flour for a second coating. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
- In a large skillet, pour oil to a depth of about 1 inch and heat over medium-high heat until hot (around 350°F).
- Carefully add the chicken thighs to the hot oil, skin side down, and fry for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes:
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for as long as possible. Enjoy your crispy fried chicken with your favorite sides!





















