If you’ve ever craved that crispy, juicy fried chicken from your favorite restaurant, but didn’t want to leave the comfort of your home, this Copycat Fried Chicken recipe is here to save the day! Packed with a perfectly seasoned, crispy coating and tender, juicy chicken on the inside, this dish is sure to become your new go-to recipe for fried chicken. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or simply satisfying your fried chicken cravings, this recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

This article will guide you step by step through creating this delicious fried chicken, complete with flavor-packed ingredients and the perfect frying technique. Let’s dive in!

Why This Copycat Fried Chicken Will Become Your Favorite

We all love a good piece of fried chicken, but achieving that golden-brown, crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy, tender interior can be tricky. With this recipe, you’ll master the art of frying chicken with a foolproof method that delivers mouthwatering results every time. The combination of buttermilk and spices in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken, while the seasoned flour mixture creates a crunchy, flavorful crust that’s crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy on the inside.

But that’s not all—this recipe offers a customizable twist with the option of adding hot sauce and cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat. Whether you like your fried chicken spicy or prefer a milder version, you can easily adjust the level of seasoning to suit your taste.

So why wait for your next takeout order when you can recreate this crispy, golden-fried chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen? Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Copycat Fried Chicken

The ingredients for this fried chicken are simple, but they come together beautifully to create the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Here’s everything you’ll need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: For the best results, use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook quickly and remain juicy, making them perfect for frying.
1 cup buttermilk: Buttermilk is a key ingredient for marinating the chicken. It helps tenderize the chicken and adds richness to the flavor. It’s also the secret to getting that super crispy coating when fried.
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): Add this to the buttermilk for an extra kick. If you like a little heat, this optional ingredient will infuse the chicken with spicy flavors without overpowering the dish.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the coating. All-purpose flour helps create a crispy, golden exterior that’s irresistible.
1 tablespoon paprika: Paprika adds a mild, smoky flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful red hue.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder brings a subtle, savory depth of flavor to the fried chicken.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds an additional layer of savoriness, perfectly complementing the garlic.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice to the seasoning mix.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who enjoy a little extra heat, cayenne pepper is the perfect addition to kick the flavor up a notch.
Vegetable oil for frying: You’ll need vegetable oil to fry the chicken. Make sure to use enough oil to cover the chicken while it’s frying, but avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.

The Importance of the Ingredients

While the ingredient list is simple, each component plays a vital role in ensuring the perfect fried chicken. The buttermilk is not just a marinade; it helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with flavor, while the seasoned flour mixture creates a crunchy, crispy coating. You can adjust the spice levels to suit your preferences by adding or omitting ingredients like hot sauce and cayenne pepper. This level of customization is what makes this recipe so versatile.

Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Copycat Fried Chicken

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the process of making this delectable fried chicken. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have crispy, juicy fried chicken in no time!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

The first step in making crispy fried chicken is to marinate the chicken in a flavorful buttermilk mixture. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.

In a shallow bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if you’re using it for a spicy kick).
Add the chicken breasts to the buttermilk mixture and coat them evenly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture

While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the flour mixture. This will be the crispy coating that gives your fried chicken that golden-brown crunch.

In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). The flour mixture should be well-mixed to ensure an even coating when dredging the chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

After the chicken has marinated, it’s time to coat it with the seasoned flour mixture. This is where the magic happens—the key to crispy fried chicken lies in this step.

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well to the chicken. Make sure each piece is evenly coated on all sides.
Shake off any excess flour before frying. You want just the right amount of coating to ensure a crispy, flavorful crust.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Next, it’s time to heat the oil for frying. Proper oil temperature is crucial to achieving that crispy fried exterior without burning the coating.

In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
The oil should be hot but not smoking. A good way to test the oil temperature is by dropping a small piece of flour into the pan. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
The ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just keep an eye on the oil to ensure it’s at the right temperature.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to avoid uneven cooking and to maintain the oil temperature.

Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning the pieces gently to ensure they cook evenly.
The chicken is done when the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once the chicken is perfectly fried, it’s time to drain the excess oil and serve.

Carefully remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to ensure it stays juicy.
Serve the crispy, golden Copycat Fried Chicken with your favorite sides, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken Every Time

Don’t skip the marinating step: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is essential for tender, flavorful meat. If you have time, marinate overnight for the best results.
Maintain oil temperature: It’s crucial to keep the oil at the right temperature to avoid greasy or soggy chicken. If the oil is too hot, the coating may burn before the chicken is fully cooked. If it’s too cold, the coating may become soggy.
Use a thermometer: For the perfect fried chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked through without overcooking the outside.
Rest before serving: Allow the chicken to rest on a paper towel-lined plate after frying to remove excess oil and let the juices redistribute.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Copycat Fried Chicken provides a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

This makes it a great option for those looking to satisfy their fried chicken cravings while still enjoying a filling and flavorful meal.

Conclusion: The Best Fried Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Make

There’s no need to order takeout when you can make your very own crispy, juicy Copycat Fried Chicken at home. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate the flavors of your favorite fried chicken in the comfort of your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it up at a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:

Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Homemade Copycat Fried Chicken: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in crispy, golden, and juicy Copycat Fried Chicken, made right at home! This recipe brings you the perfect combination of crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful chicken inside. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a fried chicken that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast with family and friends!

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for extra kick)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken breasts and coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.
Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Shake off any excess flour.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (around 350°F or 175°C).
Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Drain and Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve your crispy, juicy Copycat Fried Chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Notes

Marinating Tips: For even more flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight in the buttermilk mixture.
Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature to ensure the coating crisps up perfectly. Use a thermometer if needed!
Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to add more cayenne for extra heat or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course, Dinner
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (1/4 recipe)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Copycat Fried Chicken, homemade fried chicken, crispy fried chicken, easy fried chicken recipe, fried chicken recipe, southern fried chicken, fried chicken breasts, crispy chicken, family dinner, quick fried chicken