Crispy Fried Chicken

This is the only crispy fried chicken recipe you'll ever need. Why? It combines all the tried-and-true tricks to ensure the juiciest, most flavorful, crispiest chicken every time.

What Makes This Fried Chicken So Crispy?

There are a few reasons this crispy fried chicken works so well:

· Allowing the buttermilk-flour mixture to come to a paste-like consistency is key to a crispiness on the outside and juiciness on the inside.
· Most fried chicken is cooked at a high temperature throughout the frying process. This one, however, only starts at a very high heat — after browning, the heat is reduced for about 30 minutes. You'll turn up the temperature again at the end, locking in that crispy texture.
· Paprika adds smoky flavor and has a low smoke point, which helps with browning the chicken.

Crispy Fried Chicken Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make the best, crispiest fried chicken of your life:

Chicken
Cut a four-pound whole chicken into pieces or purchase four pounds of breasts, drumsticks, wings, legs, and/or thighs at the grocery store.

Buttermilk
Acidic buttermilk tenderizes the chicken without making it too tough. Also, it helps the flour mixture stick to the chicken.

Flour
All-purpose flour gives the buttermilk and seasonings something to stick to, while ensuring a wonderfully crispy crust.

Seasonings
This crispy fried chicken recipe calls for paprika (which helps with browning), salt, and pepper. You can add more spices and seasonings to taste.

Oil
Vegetable oil is perfect for frying chicken because it has a high smoke point.

How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken

You'll find the step-by-step recipe below, but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this crispy fried chicken:

Make the Breading

Combine the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a zip-top bag. Seal the bag and shake until well-combined.

Dredge the Chicken

Pour buttermilk into a shallow bowl, then dip the chicken (on both sides) until it's completely soaked in buttermilk. Place the soaked chicken in the bag with flour mixture, seal, and shake well to coat. Transfer the coated chicken to a baking sheet, and cover. Allow the flour coating to become a paste-like consistency.

Fry the Chicken

Pour the oil in a skillet and bring it to high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides, then reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and cook for about 30 minutes. Remove the cover, return the heat to high, and fry until extra crispy. Drain the chicken on paper towels.

What to Serve With Fried Chicken

Looking for delicious inspiration for fried chicken sides? We've got you covered with our collection of 15 Classic Side Dishes for Fried Chicken. Here's a preview of what you'll find:

Yellow Squash Casserole
Mom's Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese
Al's Sufferin' Succotash

How to Store Fried Chicken

Let the fried chicken cool before storage to prevent bacteria growth. Place it in a shallow airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, then refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Great recipe and great technique," raves Ebcook. "Had no idea letting batter become paste like and then covering while frying would make such a difference! Definitely a keeper."

"[This recipe makes] crisp and juicy chicken every time," according to Nicole. "Made it twice now, both times turned out great. I marinate the chicken first for more flavor, but the actual frying technique works like a charm."

"This is now my favorite fried chicken recipe," says Renee Ann Galvan. "The only thing I did differently was add garlic powder and crushed red pepper to give it a little heat."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams