If you’re craving a dish that offers crispy, golden perfection paired with juicy, flavorful chicken, this Country Fried Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. With a perfectly seasoned flour coating and a buttermilk soak that keeps the meat tender, this southern classic brings comfort and joy to your plate. Whether it’s a special family dinner or a casual get-together, the irresistible crunch and rich flavors of this Country Fried Chicken Recipe never fail to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, yet essential ingredients that come together to create that signature crispy crust and deliciously moist chicken. Each component plays its part, from the aromatic spices in the flour mix to the creamy tang of the buttermilk, ensuring a perfect balance of taste and texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your crispy coating that locks in the juices.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors for a perfectly savory bite.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning blend.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic undertone to every crispy bite.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a gentle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Imparts a subtle herby freshness to the seasoning mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthiness that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Delivers a hint of spicy kick without overpowering.
- 2 eggs: Helps the flour mixture adhere, ensuring chicken is perfectly coated.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a slight tang for extra flavor.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful cuts ideal for frying.
- Oil for frying: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
How to Make Country Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oil
Start by heating your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This ensures that your chicken will fry evenly and absorb just the right amount of oil, giving you that perfect golden crust without being greasy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Seasonings
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. This flavorful blend will create the crunchy coating that sets this Country Fried Chicken Recipe apart.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. This mixture acts as a glue for the flour coating while adding moisture to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the egg and buttermilk mix, and finally, coat it again in the flour. This double coating builds a thick, flavorful crust that crisps up beautifully during frying.
Step 5: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Carefully place the coated chicken thighs skin side down in the hot oil. Fry each side for about 6 to 8 minutes until the skin turns an irresistible golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Drain and Rest
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This lets excess oil drain away, keeping the crust crunchy rather than soggy. Resting the chicken briefly also allows the juices to redistribute for maximum moistness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your homemade Country Fried Chicken Recipe is now ready to be savored! Serve it while hot and crispy for the ultimate comfort food experience.
How to Serve Country Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light drizzle of honey can brighten up your Country Fried Chicken Recipe, adding freshness and a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spicy crust.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes with gravy, creamy coleslaw, or buttery corn on the cob work wonderfully alongside this dish. Each side complements the hearty chicken, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your country fried chicken over waffles with a drizzle of maple syrup for that perfect sweet-savory combo. Alternatively, chop the crispy chicken to top a fresh green salad or serve it as sliders with pickles and homemade ranch dressing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Country Fried Chicken Recipe pieces in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready to be reheated for an easy, delicious meal.
Freezing
If you want to save your crispy treasures for later, wrap each piece individually in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken will maintain its quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring your leftover or frozen Country Fried Chicken Recipe back to life, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy and the chicken juicy, unlike microwaving, which can cause sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and more forgiving during frying, chicken breasts can also work. Just be careful not to overcook them since they have less fat and may dry out faster.
What oil is best for frying Country Fried Chicken Recipe?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal. They ensure crispy, golden chicken without imparting unwanted flavors.
Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?
Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds tangy flavor, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
How can I make my coating extra crispy?
Double dredging, as done in this recipe, is the key. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain high temperature.
Can I bake the Country Fried Chicken instead of frying?
While frying gives the best texture, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the chicken as usual and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade batch of Country Fried Chicken Recipe that warms the soul and satisfies every craving. With its golden crust, perfectly seasoned coating, and juicy meat, this dish deserves a spot on your regular dinner rotation. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe over and over again!
Print
Country Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Country Fried Chicken recipe features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated in a flavorful seasoned flour and buttermilk batter, then fried to golden, crispy perfection. The combination of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder delivers a classic Southern-style fried chicken experience that’s crunchy on the outside and tender and moist inside.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
Main Ingredient
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Other
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Preheat the oil: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and pour in enough oil for frying. Allow it to reach the proper temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is hot enough to crisp the chicken but not so hot it burns the coating.
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a shallow dish, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper to create a flavorful seasoned dredge for the chicken.
- Prepare the egg and buttermilk mixture: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth. This mixture helps the seasoned flour adhere to the chicken and adds tenderness.
- Coat the chicken: Take each chicken thigh and dredge it first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it fully into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and finally coat it again in the seasoned flour to build a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken thighs skin side down into the hot oil to begin frying. Maintain medium-high heat and fry for 6-8 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and continue frying: Turn the chicken thighs over and fry for an additional 6-8 minutes on the other side until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain excess oil: Once fully cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This setup allows excess oil to drip away, keeping the crust crispy and preventing sogginess.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the country fried chicken hot, ideally with classic sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, or coleslaw for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to avoid greasy chicken.
- Use a thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature for safe consumption.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in buttermilk and spices for 2-4 hours before breading.
- Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to retain crispness.
