Get ready to sink your teeth into the ultimate comfort food with this Extra Crunchy Fried Chicken recipe! Perfectly tenderized with an overnight buttermilk and hot sauce marinade, each piece of chicken is double-coated in a flavorful blend of flour, cornstarch, and aromatic spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. The secret to its signature crunch lies in the double-dip coating technique and a rest period that ensures the crispy crust stays intact during frying. Fried to golden perfection in a deep skillet, this recipe delivers juicy chicken encased in a shatteringly crisp crust that will have you reaching for seconds. Ideal for family dinners, game day feasts, or weekend indulgence, this fried chicken pairs beautifully with your favorite sides and dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce, then pour it over the chicken. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and flavor the meat.
In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will be your dry coating.
In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs with a splash of buttermilk to form the wet coating.
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Shake off any excess buttermilk, but do not wipe it completely.
Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, coating it well. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, and return it to the flour mixture for a second coating. Press the flour firmly onto the chicken to ensure a thick, crunchy crust.
Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help the coating adhere better during frying.
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook each piece for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Do not place directly on paper towels, as this could cause the crust to lose its crunch.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the extra crunchy fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes!
Calories |
11557 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1095.8 g | 1405% | |
| Saturated Fat | 180.2 g | 901% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1066 mg | 355% | |
| Sodium | 7124 mg | 310% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 298.9 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.8 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.7 g | ||
| Protein | 206.0 g | 412% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.4 mcg | 47% | |
| Calcium | 805 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 25.7 mg | 143% | |
| Potassium | 2921 mg | 62% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.