Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe with Spicy Dipping Sauce

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Crispy fried chicken is a timeless favorite that brings comfort and joy to any meal. With its golden-brown exterior and juicy interior, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Pair it with a spicy dipping sauce, and you have a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crispy fried chicken recipe is not only delicious but also straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It’s perfect for satisfying cravings and can be customized to your taste.

• Golden, crispy coating for that satisfying crunch.
• Juicy, flavorful chicken that’s tender on the inside.
• Quick prep time, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Spicy dipping sauce that adds a kick to every bite.
• Versatile and easy to adapt with different seasonings.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 3 tablespoons hot sauce (for dipping sauce)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for dipping sauce)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for dipping sauce)

How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken

1. Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with half of the hot sauce. Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the coating. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Heat the oil. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces (about 1-2 inches deep). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. Coat the chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat well. Shake off excess flour.
5. Fry the chicken. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain and rest. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
7. Make the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, remaining hot sauce, and lemon juice until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Tips for the Best Results

• Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a crispy texture.
• Use a thermometer to check the oil’s temperature for consistent frying.
• Let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it crispy.
• Experiment with different spices in the coating for varied flavors.

Easy Variations

• Try adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the flour mixture for an aromatic twist.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Adjust the heat level of the dipping sauce by adding more or less hot sauce.

What to Serve With It

• Creamy coleslaw for a crunchy, refreshing side.
• Mashed potatoes with gravy for classic comfort.
• A fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Corn on the cob for a delightful summer pairing.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This method helps maintain the crispiness.

Recipe Card