Are you a fan of crispy, juicy, and finger-lickin’ good fried chicken? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 mouthwatering recipes for every occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Southern comfort food or adventurous flavors from around the world, we’ve got you covered.
From nostalgic favorites like Buttermilk Fried Chicken to spicy twists like Nashville Hot Chicken and Korean Fried Chicken, our recipe roundup has something for everyone. And don’t worry, we won’t forget about those who are looking for lighter options – we’ll also be sharing a delicious Oven-Fried Chicken recipe and an Air Fryer alternative.
So grab your apron, preheat that deep fryer (or air fryer!), and get ready to indulge in the crispiest, most mouthwatering fried chicken dishes you’ve ever tried!
Classic Southern Fried Chicken
A staple of Southern cuisine, this classic fried chicken recipe yields crispy, juicy, and flavorful results that are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the coated chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
A classic Southern comfort food, this recipe yields a finger-lickin’ good fried chicken with a tangy buttermilk twist.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
6. Fry the chicken for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken
Savor the bold flavors of Music City with this spicy hot chicken recipe, a twist on traditional Southern comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1/4 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 2 tbsp Nashville hot chicken seasoning (or similar)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken pieces; marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Remove chicken from marinade; pat dry with paper towels.
4. In a separate bowl, mix Nashville hot chicken seasoning with vegetable oil.
5. Dredge chicken in the spicy mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Korean Fried Chicken
Get ready to experience the crispy, spicy, and savory flavors of Korea’s favorite street food – Korean Fried Chicken! This recipe combines the richness of buttermilk with the boldness of Gochujang sauce for a truly addictive dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp Gochujang sauce
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
6. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels and toss with Gochujang sauce.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Japanese Karaage Fried Chicken
A popular Japanese street food, Karaage Fried Chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This recipe brings a taste of Japan to your kitchen with minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken pieces (thighs, legs, wings)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup potato starch
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– 2 eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, potato starch, salt, black pepper, and white pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until coated with the flour mixture.
3. Beat eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each floured chicken piece into the beaten eggs, coating evenly.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Drain excess oil on paper towels.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Extra Crispy Double-Fried Chicken
Get ready for a game-changing fried chicken experience with this recipe that yields an unparalleled level of crunch and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate large bowl.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F).
5. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per batch.
6. Remove fried chicken from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Increase oil temperature to 400°F.
8. Double-fry remaining chicken pieces in batches until crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
Cooking Time: Total cooking time is approximately 20-25 minutes.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Sweet and savory Honey Butter Fried Chicken – a delightful twist on the classic fried chicken recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– All-purpose flour for dredging
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and butter until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Dredge chicken pieces in flour, shaking off excess.
5. Dip floured chicken in the honey-butter mixture, making sure they’re fully coated.
6. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Drizzle any remaining honey-butter mixture over the chicken.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Fried Chicken
A flavorful twist on classic fried chicken, this recipe combines the richness of parmesan cheese with the pungency of garlic for a truly unforgettable dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat. Place on a plate or tray.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Once hot, add 3-4 breaded chicken pieces to the skillet (do not overcrowd).
6. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
7. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess grease.
8. Sprinkle parmesan cheese and minced garlic over the top of each piece.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cajun Fried Chicken
A classic Southern dish that’s sure to please! This Cajun fried chicken recipe combines the bold flavors of Louisiana with a crispy, crunchy coating.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per batch).
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes total, depending on the number of chicken pieces and frying time.
Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken
Brighten up your day with this zesty and flavorful twist on classic fried chicken! This recipe combines the tanginess of lemon zest with the warmness of black pepper, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp lemon zest
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Dip the floured chicken pieces in buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Roll the chicken pieces in the lemon zest to coat evenly.
5. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Fried Chicken
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Fried Chicken Recipe
Experience the perfect balance of sweet and heat with this mouth-watering recipe that combines crispy fried chicken with a tangy glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Sweet and Spicy Glaze (see below)
Sweet and Spicy Glaze:
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece in the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. While the chicken is frying, mix together Sweet and Spicy Glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
7. Once chicken is done, brush with the glaze and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Fried Chicken and Waffles
Experience the classic combination of crispy fried chicken served with a fluffy waffle, drizzled with sweet syrup.
Ingredients:
For the Fried Chicken:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Freshly whipped cream and maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
7. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter.
8. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
9. Cook waffles for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time:
– Fried chicken: 10-12 minutes
– Waffles: 3-5 minutes
Buffalo Fried Chicken Bites
Satisfy your cravings with these crispy and spicy Buffalo Fried Chicken Bites, perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken bites until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, mix together Frank’s RedHot sauce and melted butter.
7. Toss fried chicken bites with the Buffalo wing sauce until well coated.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fried Chicken Sandwich with Slaw
Get ready to sink your teeth into a crispy and juicy fried chicken sandwich, topped with a refreshing slaw that will take your taste buds on a ride!
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Soft buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Assemble sandwiches by placing fried chicken on soft buns, topping with slaw, lettuce, tomato, pickles (if using), and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Oven-Fried Chicken for a Lighter Option
Cutting down on calories doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor with this oven-fried chicken recipe. A healthier take on the classic comfort food, this dish is perfect for a guilt-free dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken piece into olive oil, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Satisfy your craving for crispy fried chicken without the extra oil! This air fryer recipe yields a juicy and flavorful result with minimal mess.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon buttermilk (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the beaten egg, and finally the buttermilk (if using). Dredge in flour again to coat evenly.
4. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. Check for crispiness and cook an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.
Cooking Time: 12-18 minutes
Fried Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauces
Get ready for a flavorful and satisfying snack! This recipe yields crispy fried chicken tenders that pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenderloins
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Dipping sauces (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat. Place coated tenders on a plate or tray.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
5. Fry chicken tenders for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Dipping Sauces:
– Honey Mustard: Mix equal parts honey and mustard
– Ranch Dressing: Use store-bought or homemade ranch dressing
– BBQ Sauce: Try a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce for a twist
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on the number of tenders)
Thai-Style Fried Chicken with Sticky Rice
Thai-Style Fried Chicken with Sticky Rice Recipe
This classic Thai dish combines crispy fried chicken with sweet and sticky rice, perfect for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Sticky rice (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs.
2. In a separate dish, whisk together Thai red curry paste, fish sauce, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip chicken pieces in the curry mixture, then coat with the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Fry coated chicken in hot oil (350°F) for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve with sticky rice and your favorite sides.
Sticky Rice Recipe:
– 1 cup uncooked glutinous rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Rinse rice in a fine-mesh sieve until water runs clear. Soak for at least 30 minutes.
2. Drain and rinse rice again. Cook in boiling water with salt for 15-20 minutes or until grains are tender and sticky.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to savor the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken recipes for any occasion! From classic Southern-style to spicy Nashville hot and sweet & sticky Korean karaage, we’ve got 18 mouth-watering variations to tantalize your taste buds. Discover how to make extra crispy double-fried chicken, honey butter glazed goodness, garlic parmesan crispy delight, and more! Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself, these recipes are sure to satisfy your fried chicken cravings.
