Golden, crunchy, and juicy — this Crispy Fried Chicken & Fries recipe brings the best of classic comfort food to your kitchen. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and paired with perfectly golden fries, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Juicy, tender chicken: Buttermilk marinade keeps chicken flavorful and moist.
Crunchy coating: Double-dipped and seasoned flour ensures maximum crispiness.
Perfect fries: Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside.
Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for dinner or game day.
📝 Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
1 whole chicken (about 3 lbs), cut into pieces
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crunch)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Fries:
4 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for extra crisp)
Salt, to taste
Oil for frying
🕒 Preparation Time
Prep: 20 minutes + marinating
Cook: 25–30 minutes
Total: ~45–50 minutes
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour buttermilk over them.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to tenderize and flavor the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge chicken in the flour mixture. For extra crunch, double-dip: back into buttermilk, then flour again.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Drain on a wire rack to keep crisp.
Step 4: Make the Fries
- Peel and cut potatoes into sticks. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch.
- Heat oil to 325°F (160°C) and fry potatoes in batches for 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Increase oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry again 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain and season with salt.
Step 5: Serve
Serve fried chicken hot with crispy fries on the side. Optional: add coleslaw, pickles, or dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch.
🌿 Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken & Fries
Use buttermilk: Ensures juicy, tender meat.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches for even cooking.
Double-fry potatoes: Creates extra-crispy fries.
Cast-iron skillet: Helps maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
Use a thermometer: Keeps oil at the perfect frying temperature.
🍽️ Variations
Spicy Fried Chicken: Add hot sauce to the marinade and extra cayenne in flour.
Herb-Crusted: Mix dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the flour.
Air-Fried Version: Spray chicken with oil and air fry at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
Sweet Potato Fries: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a healthier twist.
💡 Why This Recipe Works
The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken, while seasoned flour creates a crunchy exterior. Double-frying the potatoes ensures the perfect golden fries. Together, it’s a classic, foolproof comfort meal that’s sure to impress.
