Golden Fried Chicken
Crispy, golden brown chicken straight from the fryer is one of life’s simple pleasures. This isn’t just fried chicken—it’s a Golden Fried Chicken experience that offers a glorious crunch with each bite and mouthwatering juiciness underneath. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly seasoned outer crust that gives way to tender, moist chicken. The rich aroma wafting through your kitchen as you cook will instantly transport you to a bustling Southern kitchen, where fried chicken is not just a meal but a cherished tradition.
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I first discovered the magic of buttermilk fried chicken during a summer family reunion in the heart of the South. My aunt had her secrets perfected, and as kids, we’d eagerly await the first batch to be pulled from the bubbling oil. Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to pass on this cherished recipe, keeping the legacy alive. Blissfully crispy and flavorful, this Golden Fried Chicken offers an irresistible comfort food option that’s sure to win over anyone at your dinner table. Let’s get to it—you’re just a few steps away from crispy perfection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With only about 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have tender, crispy chicken on the table in under 30 minutes once frying begins.
- Irresistible Flavor: The marinade of buttermilk and spices gives the chicken a rich, savory taste that’s so much better than any takeout option.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden-brown crust not only tastes amazing but looks impressive when served, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a picnic treat, game-day snack, or an indulgent dinner any night of the week.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap ingredients to cater to dietary needs, like opting for gluten-free flour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 pieces chicken, bone-in, skin-on thighs and legs: These cuts offer a delectable balance of flavor and texture, but feel free to use chicken breast for a leaner alternative.
- 2 cups buttermilk: This tangy base tenderizes the meat and infuses moisture; if unavailable, a mixture of yogurt with milk and vinegar works well.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the star of the crispy coating, but gluten-free flour can be substituted for those avoiding gluten.
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder: For convenience and consistent flavor, garlic powder is used, but fresh garlic can intensify the taste.
- 1.5 teaspoons paprika: Choose smoked paprika for a delightful smoky kick that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- 1.5 teaspoons onion powder: It provides a rounded taste; however, fresh onion is an option for a bolder flavor.
- 1.5 teaspoons salt: Essential for enhancing flavors, adjust according to dietary needs.
- 1.5 teaspoons dried thyme: Offers a subtle earthiness; fresh thyme can be swapped for a brighter flavor.
- 1.5 teaspoons dried basil: Imparts a nice herbal note; Italian seasoning provides another variation.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: For that classic peppery kick; white pepper is a good alternative.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Add as much or little as you like depending on your heat preference.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This ingredient helps create an airy coating; omitting it leads to a denser texture.
- 4 cups vegetable oil: Essential for frying, peanut oil can be used for a richer flavor.
How to Make Golden Fried Chicken
Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, season the chicken pieces with 1.5 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder, and 1.5 teaspoons of paprika. Pour in 2 cups of buttermilk, covering the chicken thoroughly to ensure every piece is submerged in the tangy marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1.5 teaspoons of paprika, 1.5 teaspoons of onion powder, 1.5 teaspoons of dried thyme, 1.5 teaspoons of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. This blend is your crispy coating, so ensure the ingredients are well-mixed to achieve an even flavor.
Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, pour in 4 cups of vegetable oil and heat it to precisely 340°F. This temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crunchy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside. It’s advisable to use a thermometer for accuracy.
Dredge the Chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, remove it carefully from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until thoroughly coated, shaking off any excess flour. Let the coated chicken pieces rest for a few minutes; this helps the flour adhere better during frying.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully place 4-5 pieces of the coated chicken into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the chicken for approximately 15 minutes, checking for a deep golden color and that the juices run clear when pierced with a knife. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy, signaling it’s done.
Drain and Cool: Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil, placing it on a wire rack to cool. This ensures the fried chicken maintains its crunch as it cools, preventing it from sitting in oil and becoming soggy.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover golden fried chicken, allow it to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy again, reheat the chicken in a preheated 375°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. The crust’s crunch may soften slightly, so reheating with care helps maintain its delicious flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before frying for more even cooking.
- Use a thermometer to check oil temperature; too hot can burn the coating while too cold can lead to greasy chicken.
- Maintain the temperature of the oil as you fry; if it drops too low, the chicken may become soggy instead of crispy.
- For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of celery salt or a splash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
- If you want to make ahead, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours before frying—it improves flavor tremendously.
There’s truly something special about crafting your own Golden Fried Chicken at home. The tastes, the textures, and the tender meat create an irresistible meal that’s perfect to share. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a picnic spread, this recipe will keep everyone coming back for seconds—trust me! Try it out, experiment with your favorite spices, or simply relish in the incredible flavor. You won’t regret creating this masterpiece!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs and legs offer richer flavor and juiciness, chicken breasts can work well too. Just keep in mind they might cook a bit faster, so adjust frying time accordingly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make golden fried chicken gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free to maintain that crispy coating without any gluten.
How do I know when the chicken is done frying?
The chicken is done when it forms a deep golden crust and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife. Investing in a meat thermometer is also a great idea; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
What should I serve with fried chicken?
Fried chicken pairs perfectly with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, cornbread, or a fresh garden salad. It makes for wonderful picnic fare or a delicious addition to any gathering!
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📖 Recipe Card
Golden Fried Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Golden Fried Chicken boasts an irresistible flavor, easy preparation, and the perfect crispy texture. Ideal for a comforting meal, it’s made with juicy chicken marinated in flavorful buttermilk, seasoned to perfection, and golden fried for a delightful crunch. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken, bone-in, skin-on thighs and legs
- 2 cups buttermilk or milk-vinegar mixture
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1.5 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1.5 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 4 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl.
- Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring each piece is submerged, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, basil, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 340°F for frying.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, and let rest for a few minutes.
- Fry 4-5 pieces of chicken in hot oil for about 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove fried chicken with a slotted spoon and let cool on a wire rack.
Notes
For a leaner option, substitute chicken with chicken breast.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness.
Resting the dredged chicken helps achieve a better coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
