Ultimate 8-Ingredient Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe – Golden & Juicy
Crispy Southern Fried Chicken is a classic comfort food with a crunchy exterior and juicy interior. Perfect for dinner or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
- 2½ lbs chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken drumsticks, cover, and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and dredge thoroughly in seasoned flour.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F.
- Fry chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with fries, coleslaw, and dipping sauce.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor.
- Use a thermometer to check oil temperature.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: crispy fried chicken, fried chicken drumsticks, classic fried chicken, comfort food dinner, homemade fried chicken, crunchy fried chicken