How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken at Home

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and delicious all over!

Since you’re here, it’s safe to assume that you’re interested in learning how to make crispy fried chicken at home. Homemade meals are making a comeback, not just because they tend to be better for you, but also because they can help you save money! 

Preparing fried chicken at home gives you the opportunity to control the types and amounts of ingredients being used in your meal. 

This chicken recipe is not only bursting with classic down home flavors, but it’s also incredibly simple to make. With a few basic ingredients and about 30 minutes, you and your guests will get to enjoy the most juicy, white tender meat inside a golden brown crispy coating.

This recipe was created by my mom over 50 years ago. It’s the go-to recipe everyone in our family continues to make and love. It’s a timeless recipe and a culinary treasure.

Ingredients Needed to Make Crispy Fried Chicken

Making the most delicious crispy fried chicken at home is actually very simple! But before we get to the process, here’s what you will need in terms of ingredients:

• 1 full chicken with the skin on
• 3 whole eggs
• 1 cup of buttermilk or whole milk
• 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
• 2 cups vegetable or canola oil for frying (Crisco would also work)

Additional Ingredients for Your Crispy Fried Chicken

We’ve kept the ingredients for this recipe very simple, and you can be sure that it will taste amazing as is. That said, we always want you to feel free to put your own spin on things! Here are some additional ingredients you can add to your crispy fried chicken recipe: 

Herbs: Adding herbs like oregano or thyme can add a unique and yummy flavor to your fried chicken. 

Spices: Adding garlic powder, onion powder, and even cayenne pepper adds a savory and/or spicy kick to your crispy chicken!

Hot sauce: Adding hot sauce to your batter will turn up the heat of your chicken (especially when combined with cayenne!)

How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken

Now that we have our ingredients sorted, we can get to the fun part! Let’s make some crispy fried chicken!

Step 1

In a mixing bowl, add the eggs and buttermilk. Note: If you’re going to add hot sauce, now would be the time to do so! Use a fork or whisk to whip the mixture until combined. Add all the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them to coat completely. Then, cover and refrigerate the chicken for 2 to 4 hours. Skip refrigeration if you’re short on time!

Step 2

In a gallon-size Ziplock bag, add the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Shake to combine. Add a few pieces of chicken at a time and shake to coat. Place the coated pieces on a plate. Once all the pieces are covered, return them to the bag and shake to coat once more.

Step 3

Next, add the oil or shortening to a large skillet. Turn the heat to medium-high and allow the oil to get nice and hot. Don’t let the oil get to the smoking point before adding the chicken. You’ll know it’s ready when you sprinkle a pinch of flour into the oil and it sizzles!

Step 4

Add chicken pieces to the oil and turn the burner to medium heat. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet. I usually cook the breasts and thighs first since they’re larger. Always keep an eye on the chicken while frying. You never want to walk too far away from it. Use tongs or a fork to turn the pieces over when they’re golden on one side. Remove the chicken pieces when they are golden brown on both sides and cooked through. 

Test the chicken by piercing it with a fork. If the juices run clear, it’s done. You can be extra sure it’s done by inserting a thermometer into the center of the chicken. When it’s reached a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F, you’re good to go! 

Step 5

Place the cooked chicken on a baking sheet lined with paper towels or a wire rack. If you’re cooking multiple batches you can  keep the cooked chicken hot by putting it in the oven on warm.

Adding more oil may be needed before cooking additional pieces. Make sure the oil is once again hot and tested with a pinch of flour before adding more chicken.

Continue to add chicken to the oil until all the pieces are done and no pink remains. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Find Your Perfect Crispy Coating

We all love fried chicken but we also have different preferences when it comes to the texture. Here are some secrets to getting your perfect crispy coating.

Want a thicker and even crunchier texture? Double dip the chicken in the flour mixture. You’ll coat it in flour first then dredge it in the egg and buttermilk mixture, lastly flour again!

What’s the best way to get the crispiest fried chicken? For the crispiest chicken, add some flour and cornstarch into the egg and buttermilk mixture. This will thicken the batter for ultra crispy chicken. 

Like your fried chicken on the lighter side? You can get a lighter batter by adding baking powder to the flour. This allows for a little bit of extra air in the coating, making it lighter and fluffier! 

Bonus Tips for Crispy Fried Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry before coating it. This will help the coating stick better. 
• Don’t pack the chicken pieces too tightly in the pan while frying. Doing so can cause uneven cooking and sogginess. Frying the chicken in small batches will also keep the oil temperature stable. If the chicken is browning too quickly but still raw inside, turn down the oil temperature and cook for longer. 
• Adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and becomes golden brown and crispy.

How to Properly Store and Reheat Leftovers

Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature. Place a paper towel at the bottom of an air tight container before adding your chicken. This will help absorb moisture and reduce sogginess. Store your leftovers in the airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. 

Once you’re ready to reheat your chicken, you may do so in the oven or air fryer! Take the chicken out ahead of time so it can begin to warm to just above room temperature.

Reheating in the oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit. Place your leftover chicken pieces on a wire rack or foil lined baking sheet, uncovered. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit. 

Reheating in the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees fahrenheit. Place the leftover chicken in a single layer (make sure it’s not too crowded) and cook for a couple of minutes on each side!

Recommended Side Dishes

If you’re making crispy fried chicken at home, you’re going to need some homemade side dishes to go with it! There are many options that will pair great with fried chicken, but here are some of our favorites:

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve never made fried chicken at home before, you’re likely to have some questions! Here are the most commonly asked questions. If you don’t see the answer(s) you’re looking for, drop your question(s) in the comment section below! 

Is there a recommended type of cookware I should be using?

We recommend using a cast-iron skillet, but it’s not a requirement. Frying in a cast-iron skillet adds to the crispiness. However, any oven-safe pan will work just as well.

How often should I turn the chicken while frying?

It’s okay to turn the chicken over more than once to ensure even cooking. You may have heard that the chicken should only be turned once, but that’s not true at all! 

Which chicken pieces should I use in this recipe?

We recommend using a whole chicken in this recipe for variety but any chicken pieces will work! You can do any combo of breasts, wings, drumsticks, and thighs. If you prefer dark meat, opt for the drumsticks and thighs. If white meat is your preference, go for the breasts and wings. Keep in mind that white meat will be leaner than dark meat, but dark meat tends to be a bit more flavorful. 

Can I remove the chicken skin?

The skin can be removed but it does add that extra touch of crispiness!

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Boneless chicken works fine although bone-in chicken is a little more juicy than boneless chicken. 

Related Chicken Recipes

Can’t get enough fried chicken? We can’t either! If you enjoyed learning how to make crispy fried chicken, you might also like:

Are you going to try our crispy fried chicken? There’s no need to fear first-time chicken frying with this easy and delicious recipe! Enjoy this comforting dish with friends or family on any occasion!

Let us know in the comments how your chicken turned out. Be sure to subscribe to our eNewsletter, and follow us on Pinterest, or Instagram so that you’ll never miss out on a delicious recipe!