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Simple Classic Fried Chicken Recipe

Simple Classic Fried Chicken Recipe

This Simple Classic Fried Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of golden, savory flavor! Made with a seasoned flour coating and shallow-fried to perfection, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion — family dinners, picnics, or weekend treats.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
13 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken:
  • 2 lbs 900 g chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breast)
  • 1 cup buttermilk or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • For the Coating:
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • For Frying:
  • Vegetable oil for frying, about 2–3 cups depending on pan size

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Tongs
  • Deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wire rack or paper towels
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing whisk

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken
  2. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours for best flavor).
  3. Prepare the Coating
  4. In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  5. Coat the Chicken
  6. Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
  7. Heat the Oil
  8. In a deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Fry the Chicken
  10. Fry chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
  11. Drain & Serve
  12. Place fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot and crispy!

Notes

For extra crispy crust, double dip the chicken (dip back in buttermilk, then coat again in flour).
Don’t overcrowd the pan — this keeps the oil temperature steady for even frying.
Add hot sauce to the buttermilk for a spicy kick.
Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for the perfect Southern meal.