Here’s a delicious recipe for Crispy Chicken that you can make in the oven or fry for an extra crunch. This chicken is seasoned well, has a crispy coating, and is juicy on the inside—perfect for a family dinner!
Crispy Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt mixed with a splash of lemon juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil (for frying, or use olive oil for baking)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Ensure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. This helps tenderize the chicken.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well. Shake off any excess coating.
4. Cooking Options:
A. Oven-Baked:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place a wire rack on a baking sheet (this allows air circulation for even cooking). Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the rack.
- Drizzle a little oil over the chicken or spray it with cooking spray to promote browning.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
B. Pan-Fried:
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of the coating into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
- Drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Serve:
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, sides, or salads.
Tips:
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Adding some Italian seasoning or ranch seasoning can add more flavor.
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, use skin-on chicken and consider using a combination of flour and cornmeal in the coating.
- Meal Prep: These crispy chicken pieces can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a quick meal later.
Enjoy your crispy chicken with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad!