Finger-Lickin’ Crispy Fried Chicken

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this crispy fried chicken recipe that mimics the iconic KFC flavor. Coated in a perfectly spiced buttermilk marinade and a crunchy seasoned batter, each bite delivers a mouthwatering explosion of savory goodness. Juicy on the inside and irresistibly crispy on the outside, this dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil for frying
steps
- 1.
In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce; add chicken pieces, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- 2.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
- 3.
Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off.
- 4.
Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- 5.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- 6.
Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-18 minutes.
- 7.
Place fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 8.
Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the crunch!