Nothing beats the taste of homemade crispy fried chicken with its golden, crunchy coating and tender, juicy meat inside. This easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and a buttermilk marinade to create flavorful chicken that’s crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a weekend treat, or a party, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk (or thin plain yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Crispy Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup corn flour (cornstarch)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika or red chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk (or thin yogurt), salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken drumsticks and coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, corn flour, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder until well combined.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove each drumstick from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the flour firmly onto the chicken to create a thick coating.
For an extra crunchy crust, dip the coated chicken back into the marinade and coat it once more in the flour mixture.
Step 4: Rest the Chicken
Place the coated drumsticks on a wire rack or tray and let them rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the coating stick better and prevents it from falling off during frying.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Heat the oil to 170–175°C (340–350°F). Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. Cook for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is deep golden brown and crispy. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to keep the coating crisp.
Tips for the Best Crispy Fried Chicken
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Double-coat the chicken for an extra thick and crunchy crust.
- Always fry in batches to maintain the correct oil temperature.
- Use a wire rack instead of paper towels if possible to keep the coating crispy.
- Avoid flipping the chicken too often while frying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crispy fried chicken with French fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, biscuits, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces such as garlic mayo, ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or classic ketchup.
Golden, crunchy, juicy, and packed with flavor, this homemade crispy fried chicken is perfect for lunch, dinner, parties, game nights, or any time you’re craving delicious comfort food. Enjoy! 🍗✨
