Description
This crispy, golden-brown fried chicken recipe is just like Grandma used to make! With a flavorful, seasoned batter and juicy chicken, every bite is the perfect combination of crunch and tenderness. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this homemade fried chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or a mix of both)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ cups water (or as needed)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat Oil:
Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to 375°F. The oil should be about 3 inches deep to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. - Season the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Toss the chicken to coat evenly with the seasoning. - Prepare the Batter:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add this dry mixture to the seasoned chicken and toss until coated. Gradually add water (starting with 1 ¼ cups), stirring until the batter reaches a consistency slightly thinner than pancake batter. Add more water as needed. - Fry the Chicken:
Once the oil is hot, coat each piece of chicken in a thin layer of batter and gently place it in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the chicken for 7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 7-9 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy. - Drain and Season:
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack set over a sheet tray to catch any excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with kosher salt to enhance the flavor. - Repeat:
Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces. - Serve:
Serve the fried chicken hot and crispy, just like Grandma used to make! Enjoy with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot before frying to avoid soggy chicken.
- For extra flavor, you can add some cayenne pepper or paprika to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is fully cooked.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, especially with thicker cuts of chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg