Golden Fried Chicken
Crispy golden delight awaits with every bite of this buttermilk fried chicken. The exterior is perfectly seasoned and crunchy, while the inside is juicy and succulent—each piece is a mouthwatering experience. This dish embodies the heart of Southern cooking, bringing familiarity and comfort to your dinner table. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering, a summer barbecue, or a cozy weeknight meal, this crispy goodness often serves as the centerpiece for unforgettable moments.
Table of Contents
I first discovered my love for authentic fried chicken during a family trip to the South. We had the chance to savor the local cuisine at a legendary diner known for its secret recipe. The tantalizing aroma and that satisfying crunch made the experience unforgettable. Fast forward to today, I’ve perfected my rendition of Golden Fried Chicken, allowing you to recreate a slice of that magic in your home kitchen. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll never look back. So, let’s get cooking and bring that southern charm right into our lives!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and a cooking time of around 15 minutes per batch, you’ll have delicious chicken ready in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices like paprika and garlic powder yields a satisfying crunch packed with flavor, while the buttermilk ensures moistness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden, crispy coating is as fun to look at as it is to eat—perfect for impressing guests or serving at a family gathering.
- Flexible Serving: This chicken is great for lunch or dinner and makes a fantastic addition to any picnic or potluck.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Need a healthier option? Swap for skinless chicken breasts or use gluten-free flour for a suitable alternative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 pieces chicken (bone-in, skin-on thighs and legs): The bone adds flavor, while the skin crisps up perfectly during frying. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- 2 cups buttermilk: It tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of vinegar for a quick substitute.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is necessary for creating that glorious, crispy coating. Gluten-free flour can be used if you have dietary restrictions.
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds depth and savoriness to the mix. Feel free to use fresh minced garlic for a more robust flavor.
- 1.5 teaspoons paprika: Smoked paprika gives a delightful twist, though regular paprika works too.
- 1.5 teaspoons onion powder: A fantastic seasoning that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1.5 teaspoons salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together. Adjust it to your dietary preferences.
- 1.5 teaspoons dried thyme: This herb adds earthy notes. If fresh thyme is available, it can amp up the flavor even further.
- 1.5 teaspoons dried basil: Perfect for an aromatic boost; Italian seasoning is a wonderful alternative as well.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: It provides a gentle kick, but feel free to switch it up with white pepper for a different flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Use it for an optional heat level that can be adjusted depending on your preference.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This ingredient helps create a lighter, crispier coating.
- 4 cups vegetable oil: For frying—vegetable or peanut oil works excellently for flavor and high smoke point.
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 ground black pepper, 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1.5 teaspoons paprika. Pour 2 cups of buttermilk over this mixture, ensuring that each piece is fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight. This is crucial for achieving that juicy interior and rich flavor.
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together 2 cups of 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 blend will create an incredible crunch and fantastic taste for your fried chicken.
Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, pour in 4 cups of vegetable oil and heat it to 340°F. It’s important to maintain this temperature, as it will ensure the chicken fries to perfection without absorbing too much oil.
Dredge and Rest: Once the chicken is done marinating, remove it from the buttermilk. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes—this helps the flour adhere better and develops that lovely crunchy texture.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully place 4-5 pieces of the coated chicken into the hot oil, cooking for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. If you’re frying in batches, keep the cooked chicken in a low oven to keep warm.
Cool and Serve: Once fried, remove the chicken using a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly. This allows excess oil to drip away and keeps the coating crispy.
Storing & Reheating
Leftover fried chicken can be stored at room temperature for up to two hours. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. For the freezer, place the chicken in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it can last for up to three months. When reheating, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, but a quick blast in the oven will help refresh the crispy coating.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the pot: Frying in batches helps maintain oil temperature, ensuring evenly cooked chicken.
- Let the chicken come to room temperature before frying for even cooking.
- Be sure to monitor oil temperature with a thermometer—too low means greasy chicken, while too high can burn the coating.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix.
- Rests between dredging and frying are crucial: they help the coating adhere properly, giving you that crunch you’re after.
- Try making the chicken ahead of time for parties: You can freeze the uncooked coated chicken, then fry straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to your cooking time.
Experience the comfort of home-cooked goodness with Golden Fried Chicken. It’s versatile, easy to make, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. Experiment with different spices or sides like coleslaw or biscuits, and make it your own. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a recipe that spans generations and brings joy to every table, so get ready to enjoy a plate full of crunch and comfort!
Recipe FAQs
How do I ensure my chicken is crispy?
To achieve a crispier coating, ensure the chicken’s flour coating is allowed to rest before frying. Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot, and make sure the oil is heated to 340°F before adding the chicken.
Can I use boneless chicken for this fried chicken recipe?
Yes! While bone-in chicken tends to be more flavorful and moist, you can certainly use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Just remember that the cooking time may be shorter—check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I serve with golden fried chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides, like creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or a tangy potato salad. It also works great as a filling for sandwiches.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, simply replace the buttermilk with a non-dairy yogurt or milk alternative mixed with vinegar to create a similar effect.
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Golden Fried Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 745 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Golden Fried Chicken is all about irresistible flavor, easy preparation, and crispy texture. Perfect for a quick dinner or satisfying comfort food, it features juicy chicken marinated in buttermilk and seasoned to perfection.
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)
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour buttermilk over the seasoned chicken, ensuring each piece is fully submerged, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, basil, and cayenne pepper.
- In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 340°F and maintain this temperature for a crispy texture.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, dredge it in the flour mixture, and let it rest briefly.
- Carefully place 4-5 pieces of coated chicken into the hot oil and fry for about 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken and place it on a wire rack to cool.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in buttermilk for longer than 12 hours.
Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent for the best frying results.
Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
