🍗 Why This Recipe Works
✔️ Extra-crispy crust (thanks
to a double-dredging trick!)
✔️ Juicy, flavorful meat (brined in
buttermilk & spices)
✔️ Better than KFC – no mystery
ingredients, just real food
✔️ Works in a deep fryer, skillet, or air
fryer
đź“ť Ingredients
*(Serves 4-6)*
For the Brine:
- 1
cup buttermilk (*or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar*)
- 1
tbsp hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1
tsp salt
- 1
tsp garlic powder
For the Dredge:
- 2
cups all-purpose flour
- 1
tbsp cornstarch (secret for extra crispiness!)
- 2
tsp paprika
- 1
tsp black pepper
- 1
tsp garlic powder
- 1
tsp onion powder
- ½
tsp cayenne (adjust for spice)
- 1
tsp salt
For Frying:
- 4
cups vegetable oil (or peanut oil for best results)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brine the Chicken (Key for Juiciness!)
- In a
bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and garlic powder.
- Add chicken
pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts) and coat well.
- Cover
and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
2. Prepare the Dredge
- In a
large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and all spices.
- Take
a piece of chicken from the buttermilk, let excess drip off, then coat in
flour.
- Dip
back in buttermilk, then flour again (double dredge = extra
crispy!).
3. Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat
oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot or skillet.
- Fry
chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd!) for 12-15 mins (dark
meat) or 8-10 mins (white meat).
- Drain
on a wire rack (not paper towels – keeps it crispy!).
4. Secret Tip for Extra Crispiness
- For KFC-level
crunch, let the breaded chicken rest for 10 mins before frying.
🔥 Air Fryer Option
- Spray
breaded chicken with oil.
- Air
fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 mins, flipping halfway.
đź’ˇ Pro Tips & FAQs
❓ Why is my coating
falling off? → Oil wasn’t hot enough, or chicken wasn’t dried before
dredging.
❓ Can
I use an oven? → Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 mins,
flipping once.
❓ How
to store leftovers? → Keep in the fridge for 3 days;
reheat in an air fryer for best texture.
đź“Š Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 380 | Carbs: 22g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 20g