Go Back
Extra crispy homemade Kentucky fried chicken recipe with juicy buttermilk fried chicken and golden crunchy coating

Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe

Extra crispy Kentucky fried chicken recipe with juicy buttermilk chicken, bold seasoning blend, and easy air fryer and oven-baked options.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 43 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade
  • 3 pounds chicken pieces thighs drumsticks, wings
  • 2 cups buttermilk full fat preferred
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
Crispy Flour Coating
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch for extra crispiness
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
Secret Seasoning Blend
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
For Frying
  • 6 cups peanut oil or canola oil

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Wire rack
  • Tongs
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Whisk

Method
 

Instruction 1
  1. Add chicken pieces to a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour in buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Coat thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Instruction 2
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, black pepper, thyme, oregano, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Instruction 3
  1. Remove chicken from marinade and coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.
Instruction 4
  1. Dip coated chicken briefly back into the buttermilk mixture, then coat again in flour for an extra crispy texture.
Instruction 5
  1. Press flour firmly onto the chicken to create crispy ridges.
Instruction 6
  1. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet or deep fryer to 325°F–350°F.
Instruction 7
  1. Fry chicken in batches for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Instruction 8
  1. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack and let rest for 5–7 minutes before serving.
Instruction 9
  1. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, ranch dip, coleslaw, or potato wedges.

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken, use the double dredge technique.
  • Let coated chicken rest 10 minutes before frying.
  • Maintain oil temperature between 325°F and 350°F.
  • Air fryer version: cook at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
  • Oven baked version: bake at 425°F for 40–45 minutes.