When it comes to comfort food, crispy fried chicken stands at the top of the list. Its golden-brown crust, perfectly crunchy bite, and juicy, flavorful interior make it a dish that’s loved across the globe. From family dinners to weekend gatherings, fried chicken is a classic that never fails to impress. What makes this recipe truly special is its flavorful marination, double coating technique, and the perfect frying method that guarantees restaurant-style chicken right at home.
If you’ve been searching for an easy yet delicious crispy fried chicken recipe, you’ve landed in the right place. Let’s walk through the process step by step.
Marination Time: 6 hours (or overnight for best flavor)
Preparation Time (initial prep): 15 minutes
Coating & Double Coating Time: 5 minutes
Frying Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes (including marination)
Ingredients
For Marination
- 600g chicken (breast or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 2–3 garlic cloves (crushed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper
- 2 tablespoons soya sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
For Crispy Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika powder
- Cold water (for dipping)
Step 1: Marination for Flavorful Chicken
The foundation of delicious fried chicken lies in the marination. Begin by washing and patting the chicken dry. Make small cuts on the pieces so the marinade penetrates deeply.
In a mixing bowl, combine ginger paste, crushed garlic, salt, paprika powder, red pepper, soya sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Mix well until a smooth marinade forms. Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight if possible. This resting period allows the chicken to soak up the spices, resulting in juicy and flavorful bites.
Step 2: Preparing the Crispy Coating
While the chicken marinates, prepare the coating mixture. In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour with salt, paprika powder, and red pepper. Once the chicken is ready, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Coat each chicken piece generously in the flour mixture, ensuring the surface is fully covered. This initial coating is the key to achieving that crunchy golden crust.
Step 3: Double Coating for Extra Crunch
For that signature crispy texture, double coating is essential. After the first flour coating, quickly dip each chicken piece in cold water. Then, roll it once more in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
This double coating method creates a thick, crunchy layer that makes every bite irresistible. It’s a simple trick but makes a huge difference in the final result.
Step 4: Frying the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you drop the chicken in, but not so hot that it burns the crust before the inside cooks.
Fry the chicken pieces in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook until they turn golden brown and crispy, usually about 7–8 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. Place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil from the crispy fried chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Your crispy fried chicken is now ready to enjoy! Serve it hot with French fries, coleslaw, garlic mayo, or your favorite dipping sauces. It also pairs perfectly with ketchup or chili sauce for those who love extra heat.
Final Thoughts
Crispy fried chicken is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. With its golden, crunchy coating and tender, flavorful inside, it’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or even a quick weekend indulgence. The secret lies in the marination and the double coating, which give the chicken its irresistible taste and crunch.
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