Best Crispy Fried Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden, crunchy fried chicken with a juicy, flavorful interior, perfect for any occasion. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes pairs chicken thighs, buttermilk, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 30 min Serves 8 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 2 cups buttermilk, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. Submerge chicken thighs in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In another bowl, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, pressing to ensure an even coating.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-duty pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Crispy Fried Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Crispy Fried Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Crispy Fried Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Crispy Fried Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Crispy Fried Chicken?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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