Homemade Fried Chicken
Homemade fried chicken is a beloved dish that brings comfort and joy to many. Its crispy, golden-brown skin paired with juicy chicken makes it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. Whether you enjoy it with the classic sides or on its own, making fried chicken at home can be a delightful experience.
Why Make This Recipe
Making homemade fried chicken allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. You can customize the spices to your taste, and there’s nothing quite like the aroma of fried chicken wafting through your kitchen. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of cooking your meal from scratch.
How to Make Homemade Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil) for frying
Directions:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
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Prepare the Seasoned Flour: In a large bowl or a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
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Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing down to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour and set the coated chicken aside on a wire rack or plate.
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Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to check the temperature.
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Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Fry the chicken for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Drain and Rest: Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil. Place the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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Serve: Serve the fried chicken hot, with your favorite sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
How to Serve Homemade Fried Chicken
Enjoy your homemade fried chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, biscuits, or a refreshing salad. It also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and gravy or baked beans.
How to Store Homemade Fried Chicken
Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it crispy, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips to Make Homemade Fried Chicken
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight in the buttermilk.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; this helps achieve a crispy coating.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature for the best frying results.
Variation
You can add your favorite spices to the seasoned flour for a unique twist. Consider adding smoked paprika, cumin, or your favorite seasoning blend.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
While buttermilk gives great flavor and tenderness to the chicken, you can use regular milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes if you prefer a healthier option, but the texture will be different from traditional fried chicken.
