I’ll never forget the first time I tried my grandma’s easy fried chicken recipe. I was about 10 years old, and the aroma of the crispy, golden-brown chicken filled the entire house. As soon as I took that first bite, I was hooked. The juicy, tender chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy breading was simply out of this world. From that moment on, I knew this easy fried chicken recipe would become a staple in my life.
Over the years, I’ve made this easy fried chicken recipe countless times, and it never fails to satisfy. Whether I’m cooking for a crowd or just treating myself to a comforting meal, this recipe always delivers. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, and it’s so easy to prepare that it’s become a go-to for busy weeknights.
Why This Easy Fried Chicken Recipe Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
What makes this easy fried chicken recipe so special is the combination of simple, yet perfectly balanced seasonings. The blend of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a flavor profile that is both savory and subtly spicy. But the real secret to the perfect texture is the buttermilk marinade. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat, but it also helps the breading adhere perfectly to the surface, resulting in a crispy, crunchy coating that doesn’t ever fall off.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this easy fried chicken recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: The chicken is the star of the show, and using high-quality, fresh chicken breasts ensures juicy, tender results.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The flour is the foundation of the crispy breading, providing the structure and crunch.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika lends a beautiful color and subtle sweetness to the breading.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the savory notes and complements the other spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds an extra layer of flavor and aroma.
- 1 cup buttermilk: The buttermilk is the secret to incredibly tender and juicy chicken, as well as helping the breading adhere perfectly.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying: The high-heat vegetable oil is essential for achieving that golden-brown, crispy exterior.
Step-by-Step Easy Fried Chicken Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
This easy fried chicken recipe comes together quickly, with a total time of just 30 minutes – 15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven for frying, as well as a few basic kitchen tools like a cutting board, knife, and tongs.
1- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces, ensuring they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking.
2- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
3- Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish. One by one, dip the chicken pieces into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to help the coating adhere.
4- As you bread the chicken, arrange the coated pieces on a clean plate or baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
5- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
6- Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil, being cautious of any splattering. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden-brown and cooked through. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading to help the coating adhere better.
- Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, aiming for 350°F. This will result in a perfectly crispy exterior without burning.
- Let the fried chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute or two before serving to allow the coating to set.
Serving and Storing Your Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
This easy fried chicken recipe is the perfect comfort food that serves 4 people. It pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery biscuits, or a fresh, crisp coleslaw. For a beverage, try pairing it with an ice-cold glass of sweet tea or a refreshing lemonade.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftovers, you can store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the chicken up to the breading stage in advance. Simply bread the chicken, arrange it on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to fry, simply heat the oil and cook as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
Creative Easy Fried Chicken Recipe Variations
While this easy fried chicken recipe is already a standout, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on it. Try swapping out the buttermilk for plain yogurt or milk for a tangy twist. You could also experiment with different seasoning blends, like adding a touch of cajun spice or using lemon pepper. For a fun summertime variation, try tossing the fried chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce, like honey mustard or buffalo sauce.
Making Easy Fried Chicken Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this easy fried chicken recipe more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple substitutions. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour. For a low-carb option, swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or pork rinds. And for a vegan or vegetarian version, use extra-firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives in place of the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as thighs tend to take a bit longer to cook through.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. You can also look for the juices to run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the breaded chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This easy fried chicken recipe serves 4 people. If you need to feed a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe.
Q: What should I do if the breading starts to fall off the chicken?
A: If you notice the breading starting to come off the chicken, it’s likely due to the chicken not being fully dried before breading. Next time, make sure to pat the chicken pieces very dry with paper towels before dredging them in the flour mixture.
Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Grandma’s easy fried chicken recipe is a classic comfort food dish that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in just 30 minutes. This no-fail family favorite is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
– 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk.
3. Dip the chicken pieces in the buttermilk, then coat them in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
4. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
5. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, let the breaded pieces rest for 10-15 minutes before frying. You can also use a combination of chicken thighs and drumsticks for more flavorful fried chicken.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This easy fried chicken recipe is a true comfort food classic that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its perfectly crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior, it’s impossible to resist. Plus, with a total time of just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
I hope you’ll give this easy fried chicken recipe a try – I guarantee it will leave you craving more. Don’t forget to let me know what you think in the comments below, and be sure to share your own tips and variations. Enjoy!
