Name: Golden Fried Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 h 25 min
Total time: 12 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 pieces chicken, bone-in, skin-on thighs and legs (substitute with chicken breast for a leaner option); 2 cups buttermilk (yogurt or milk-vinegar mixture can be used as a substitute); 2 cups all-purpose flour (opt for gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option); 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder (fresh garlic can be used for bolder flavor); 1.5 teaspoons paprika (smoked paprika adds a delightful smoky twist); 1.5 teaspoons onion powder (fresh onion can alter texture); 1.5 teaspoons salt (adjust according to dietary needs); 1.5 teaspoons dried thyme (swap in fresh thyme if available); 1.5 teaspoons dried basil (Italian seasoning can be used for variety); 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (white pepper is a great alternative); 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to preferred heat level); 1 tablespoon baking powder (omitting it yields a denser coating); 4 cups vegetable oil (peanut oil can be used for additional flavor)

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Crispy, golden-brown, and oh-so-tender, there’s something truly special about homemade fried chicken. This Golden Fried Chicken recipe whisks you away to the heart of Southern cooking, where traditions meet flavor in ways that bring families and friends together. The crispy exterior and juicy interior offer a mouthwatering experience that no store-bought version can match. Enjoying freshly fried chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary delight that evokes memories of backyard barbecues and family gatherings.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Golden Fried Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Golden Fried Chicken

When I first attempted this recipe, the aroma filled my kitchen, bringing back memories of my grandmother’s comforting dinners. With each bite, I was transported back to those cherished moments, reminding me of how food has the power to create connections. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; even novice cooks can achieve crispy perfection with a few straightforward steps. I’m thrilled to share this treasured recipe so you can create the same warm memories. Let’s dive in and indulge in a batch of golden, delicious fried chicken!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 10 minutes, and the cook time is around 15 minutes per batch.
Irresistible Flavor: The tender meat bathed in tangy buttermilk with a blend of spices delivers a perfect punch of flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden crust and sizzling sound are sure to impress your family and friends.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a family dinner, picnic, or casual get-together.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap in gluten-free flour to accommodate dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 pieces chicken, bone-in, skin-on thighs and legs – These parts are juicy and flavorful, but you can substitute chicken breasts for a leaner option.
2 cups buttermilk – Yogurt can be a substitute for buttermilk; to make your own, use a mixture of milk and vinegar.
2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the key for that crispy coating. For a gluten-free version, choose a great gluten-free blend.
1.5 teaspoons garlic powder – For convenience, use this powder, but fresh garlic adds more depth if you prefer.
1.5 teaspoons paprika – Smoked paprika brings a delightful twist, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
1.5 teaspoons onion powder – Like garlic powder, onion powder makes seasoning easy, but fresh onion can alter the texture beautifully if you’re up for it.
1.5 teaspoons salt – Adjust this according to your dietary needs.
1.5 teaspoons dried thyme – Using fresh thyme is always a nice touch if it’s available.
1.5 teaspoons dried basil – Italian seasoning offers a fabulous herbal twist; feel free to mix it up according to what you have!
1 teaspoon ground black pepper – For those who prefer less heat, white pepper is an excellent alternative.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper – Adjust this to your preferred heat level for a spicy kick or omit it entirely.
1 tablespoon baking powder – This ingredient contributes to a lighter coating; skipping it will yield a denser texture.
4 cups vegetable oil – Peanut oil can be used for additional flavor, bringing a nutty richness to the dish.

How to Make Golden Fried Chicken

Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, season your 8 pieces of chicken with 1.5 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1.5 teaspoons paprika. Pour 2 cups buttermilk over the seasoned chicken, ensuring each piece is completely submerged. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight; this tenderizes the meat while infusing incredible flavor.

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder, 1.5 teaspoons paprika, 1.5 teaspoons onion powder, 1.5 teaspoons dried thyme, 1.5 teaspoons dried basil, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. This creates a flavorful coating that will add delicious crunch.

Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, carefully pour in 4 cups vegetable oil and heat it to 340°F (170°C). This temperature is essential for achieving that crispy texture we’re after; too hot, and it will burn, too cold, and it will turn soggy.

Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly. Let it rest for a few minutes on a wire rack before frying; this waiting period helps the coating stick better.

Fry the Chicken: Gently lower 4-5 pieces of the coated chicken into the hot oil, being cautious to avoid splatter. Fry for about 15 minutes or until the coating is deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Enjoy the fragrant aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Cool the Chicken: Once fried, remove the chicken using a slotted spoon, and place it on a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. This step helps keep the coating crisp; it allows steam to escape, preventing it from getting too soggy.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, allow the fried chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it can last for about 2 hours, but for longer storage, refrigerate and enjoy within 3-4 days. For freezing, wrap individual pieces in aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag, which will keep them good for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes to restore some of the original crispiness—though keep in mind texture might change slightly over time.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure the chicken is at room temperature before frying for even cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the pot; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure crispy results.
If you’re using fresh garlic or onions, be cautious not to burn them, as they can add bitterness to the coating.
Experiment with spices! Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to suit your taste.
For extra crunch, you can double dredge: dip the chicken in buttermilk again after the first coating, then recoat in the flour mixture for added texture.

The crunch, the juiciness, the mouthwatering flavors—all create a dish that is bound to become a favorite. So grab your apron and let’s fry up some magic!

Recipe FAQs

How do I make buttermilk if I don’t have any?

To make buttermilk substitute, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This creates a tangy equivalent that works perfectly for this recipe!

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on chicken is recommended for juicy flavor, boneless chicken pieces will work too. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as boneless chicken typically cooks a bit faster.

What should I serve with my fried chicken?

Fried chicken pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread. It also serves as a hit at picnics with a fresh salad or baked beans.

How can I make my coating more flavorful?

For added depth, consider using a mix of seasonings such as cayenne pepper or different herbs like oregano or dill. Experimenting with your spice levels will elevate the taste further!