Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this crispy and flavorful fried chicken recipe. Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, these chicken thighs are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious meal, this recipe delivers on taste and satisfaction.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to pick up a few specific ingredients from the supermarket. Buttermilk is essential for marinating the chicken and tenderizing the meat. Additionally, Paprika, Garlic powder, and Onion powder are key to achieving the perfect seasoning blend. Ensure you have these on hand for the best results.

Ingredients For Fried Chicken Recipe
Chicken thighs: The main protein for this dish, providing juicy and tender meat.
Buttermilk: Used for marinating the chicken, it helps tenderize the meat and adds a slight tangy flavor.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dredging mixture, creating a crispy coating.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
Paprika: Contributes a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the coating.
Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a savory garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the seasoning.
Oil: Necessary for frying the chicken to a golden brown and crispy texture.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When marinating the chicken in buttermilk, ensure it is fully submerged to allow the buttermilk to tenderize the meat evenly. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps in achieving a juicy and tender fried chicken.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: Both cuts are dark meat and have similar cooking times and flavors.
chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken breasts: For a leaner option, but be mindful of the cooking time as breasts can dry out faster.
buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor and tenderizing effect.
buttermilk - Substitute with milk and lemon juice: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch creates a crispier coating when fried.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour also results in a very crispy texture and is gluten-free.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Adds saltiness and a bit of umami flavor.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For a spicier kick, but use less as it is hotter than black pepper.
paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Adds a similar color and a bit of heat.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor along with the color.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Use minced fresh garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: If garlic is unavailable, onion powder can add a similar depth of flavor.
onion powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder has a similar but slightly sweeter flavor.
onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Provides a similar onion flavor and texture.
oil for frying - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it ideal for frying.
oil for frying - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is also a good option for frying due to its high smoke point and mild flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
How to Store / Freeze Your Dish
- Allow the fried chicken to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the coating soggy.
- Once cooled, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching each other to avoid sticking.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and let the chicken chill for about 30 minutes. This step helps to firm up the coating.
- After chilling, wrap each piece of fried chicken individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This ensures that each piece is well-protected and maintains its crispiness.
- Place the wrapped chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Store the fried chicken in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the wrapped pieces in the freezer, where they can be kept for up to 3 months.
- When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chicken from the refrigerator or freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes if frozen.
- Place the fried chicken on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. This allows air to circulate around the pieces, ensuring even reheating.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the coating is crispy. If reheating from frozen, you may need to add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- For an extra crispy finish, you can briefly broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of the reheating process. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve the reheated fried chicken immediately, and enjoy it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fried chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the chicken loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp up the skin.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the fried chicken in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Heat for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan. Place the fried chicken in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is warmed through and the skin is crispy.
Microwave Method: Place the fried chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and flipping the chicken halfway through. Note that this method may not keep the skin as crispy.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fried chicken on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 15-20 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through to ensure even reheating and crispiness.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Whisk: This is handy for thoroughly mixing the dry ingredients together.
Tongs: Essential for turning the chicken pieces while frying and for removing them from the hot oil.
Deep frying pan: Ideal for frying the chicken; it should be deep enough to hold enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces.
Thermometer: Useful for checking the oil temperature to ensure it stays around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
Paper towels: Place these on a plate to drain excess oil from the fried chicken.
Plate: Use this to hold the chicken after dredging it in the flour mixture and before frying.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the buttermilk and flour.
Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Marinating container: A container or a resealable plastic bag to marinate the chicken in buttermilk.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Marinate overnight: Prepare the chicken the night before by marinating it in buttermilk. This saves time and enhances flavor.
Use a deep fryer: A deep fryer can cook multiple pieces of chicken at once, reducing overall cooking time.
Preheat the oil: Ensure the oil is hot before you start frying. This speeds up the cooking process and ensures even browning.
Batch cooking: Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and increase cooking time.

Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- as needed Oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Dredge marinated chicken in flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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