Best fried chicken seasoning recipe that is simple, quick, and easy. This seasoning for fried chicken is flavorful and will make your chicken tender inside, with crispy skin. It can be whipped up in a matter of minutes and its made with a few simple ingredients.
Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food enjoyed all around the world. The key to making irresistibly crispy fried chicken at home lies in the coating – getting that perfect mix of flavors and textures to give you a crunchy exterior and juicy, tender meat when fried to golden perfection.
How do you make a coating for fried chicken from scratch? Different recipes have different steps, but there are some general rules you should always follow for perfect fried chicken.
Choose Your Main Coating Ingredients
The coating for your fried chicken will be made of a mix of flour and starch. All-purpose flour adds body, structure and light crispiness. Cornstarch or potato starch gives you extra crunch. If you want the dough to be as crispy as possible, you can use all flour, all starch, or a mix of the two.
Season It Up
To make southern-style fried chicken taste good, you need a special mix of spices and herbs. Here are some classics:
- Salt & pepper – enhances overall flavor
- Smoked paprika – adds savory, barbecue-like taste
- Garlic powder & onion powder -Provides aromatic kick
- Cayenne or black pepper- Brings a touch of heat
- Dried herbs like thyme, oregano, basil or rosemary (optional)
Combine the dry seasoning mix in with your main coating ingredients to infuse it with flavor,
Buttermilk Marinade is a Must
Before dredging, always marinate the raw chicken in buttermilk. This sour soak makes the meat more tender and helps the coating stick better. Add some of the same spices from the coating mix to the buttermilk to make it taste better and make the meat more juicy. Allow it to sit for as long as possible; overnight is best.
Bread the Chicken
When ready to fry, remove chicken from the buttermilk and dredge in the dry coating mix, pressing to adhere. For an extra thick, ultra-crispy crust, dip back into the buttermilk and double dredge in the coating again.
Frying Methods
You can pan fry or deep fry the breaded chicken. For pan frying, use a heavy bottomed skillet with about 1/2 inch oil heated to 325-350 ̊F. For deep frying, use a pot or countertop fryer and submerge chicken in 3-4 inches oil, heated to 350-375 ̊F. Fry until coating is deep golden brown and meat is fully cooked, about 12-15 minutes depending on thickness.
Rest and Drain
Once fried, let chicken drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes allows excess grease to drip off and the coating to set.
Coating Variations
Feel free to experiment with additions to your fried chicken coating
- Flours: Rice, chickpea, coconut, cornmeal, panko
- Spices & herbs: Cajun seasoning, chili powder, crushed red pepper, dill, sage
- Extras: Grated parmesan, lemon zest, crushed chips/cereal
The possibilities are endless for putting your own spin on the classic fried chicken coating!
Louisiana-Style Fried Chicken Fry Mix Recipe
For next level fried chicken with authentically bold, Southern flavors, try making your own Cajun-inspired coating mix. This Louisiana chicken fry recipe produces the crispiest, juiciest and most flavorful fried chicken you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3⁄4 cup cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp granulated garlic
- 2 tsp salt
Directions
- Combine all ingredients for coating mix in a bowl and blend well.
- Marinate chicken pieces overnight in buttermilk + seasoning mix.
- Remove chicken and dredge in coating mix, pressing to adhere.
- Dip back into buttermilk then re-dredge in mix for extra crispy coating.
- Deep fry at 325°F until golden brown, turning occasionally, about 12-14 minutes.
- Drain on a wire rack before serving.
The smoked paprika, garlic and black pepper give this coating bold, savory Cajun flavor. Frying twice creates an extra thick, crunchy crust that locks in juicy, tasty chicken. Enjoy this easy homemade mix for the best fried chicken ever!
Simple Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
For a quick and delicious fried chicken dinner, try this easy, no-fuss fried chicken recipe. With just a few pantry staples, you can enjoy crispy, juicy and full-flavored homemade fried chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 Fryer chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 Eggs
- 2 Cups All-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
- In one bowl, beat eggs. In another bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder.
- Season chicken pieces with seasoning mix. Dip in egg, then dredge in flour until fully coated.
- Heat 1/2 inch oil in large skillet or pot to 325°F. Fry chicken pieces for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towel-lined plate. Enjoy crispy southern fried chicken!
For even more flavor, try brining the chicken in buttermilk overnight before coating and frying. This easy, no-frills method guarantees tender, juicy meat encased in a deliciously crispy and well-seasoned coating. Satisfy your comfort food craving with this simple homemade fried chicken recipe.
Tips for Making the Perfect Fried Chicken Coating
Fried chicken is all about that crispy, crackling coating enveloping moist, juicy meat. Follow these tips for fried chicken success when making your own coating from scratch:
Choose a Flavorful Coating Mix
Use a blend of spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, oregano and pepper to add lots of savory flavor. You can also include some grated parmesan or lemon zest.
Double Dredge for Extra Crunch
After dredging in flour coating, dip chicken back into buttermilk then re-coat for a thicker, crunchier crust.
Rest Before Serving
Letting fried chicken drain on a rack allows excess oil to drip off so the coating stays crispy.
Maintain Oil Temperature
Use a thermometer and adjust heat to keep oil between 325-350°F for ideal frying temperature.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Fry chicken in batches with room between pieces so coating browns evenly.
Monitor Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature.
Choose Your Frying Method
You can pan fry or deep fry for different textures – both work well!
With the right coating mix and frying technique, you’ll get perfectly crispy, juicy and flavorful homemade fried chicken every time.
FAQs About Making Fried Chicken Coating
How thick should the fried chicken coating be?
Double dredging the chicken will create a thicker, crunchier coating. But in general, the coating should be about 1⁄4 inch thick.
What is the best oil to use for frying chicken?
Peanut oil is ideal as it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor. Vegetable, canola or sunflower oil also work well.
How long does it take to fry chicken?
Pieces take 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. Smaller pieces like wings and breasts take less time than thicker thighs and legs.
What temperature should oil be for frying chicken?
Heat oil to between 325-375°F. Use a deep fry thermometer and adjust heat to maintain proper temperature.
Can you bake fried chicken instead?
Yes, baking it in the oven at 400°F can produce crispy “oven fried” chicken without submerging in oil.
What side dishes go well with fried chicken?
Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, biscuits, mac and cheese, baked beans, collard greens, and buttermilk biscuits.
Conclusion
When prepared properly, homemade fried chicken can be even more delicious and flavorful than your favorite restaurant or takeout version. With the right blend of well-seasoned coating ingredients, proper frying technique, and a little patience, you can achieve the crispiest, juiciest and most crave-worthy fried chicken. Follow the tips above for coating, frying, and serving fried chicken and you’ll master this comforting classic in no time. The secret’s in the coating – use these recipes and guidelines to make your new go-to fried chicken mix.
Do you season chicken or flour
I like to season both the chicken and the flour at the same time because that way, the seasoning gets into both the skin and the meat the most. However, you can just season the flour. Whichever way you choose, using a good spice blend is recommended.
What is the secret to good fried chicken
The key is to season the chicken well, let it sit in the seasoning for at least 30 minutes, and then fry it in oil at the right temperature so that the outside is crispy and the inside is soft.
The BEST Fried Chicken | Quick and Easy #onestopchop
FAQ
How do you make your own fry mix?
Combine the flour, cornflour and baking powder into a mixing bowl and season with the salt. Gently add the cold water to the mix, stirring well with a whisk until you have a smooth, lump-free batter mixture. Leave to rest for 20 minutes – This will give you time to prepare the food ready for deep frying.
What are the ingredients in fried chicken batter?
A classic fried chicken batter typically includes flour, seasonings, and liquid. Common ingredients are all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and baking powder.
What are the ingredients in fried chicken seasoning?
A classic fried chicken seasoning typically includes a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cayenne pepper for a little heat, dried thyme or basil for a herb flavor, and sometimes even celery salt or mustard powder are added.
What are the ingredients to make chicken fry?
Ingredients1 (4 pound) chicken, cut into pieces. 1 cup buttermilk. 2 cups all-purpose flour for coating. 1 teaspoon paprika. salt and pepper to taste. 2 quarts vegetable oil for frying.
How do you make crispy fried chicken?
Cut a four-pound whole chicken into pieces or buy four pounds of breasts, drumsticks, wings, legs, and/or thighs at the store. This will make the best, crispiest fried chicken you’ve ever had. Acidic buttermilk tenderizes the chicken without making it too tough. Also, it helps the flour mixture stick to the chicken.
How do you cook fried chicken?
Moisten chicken with water, then dip in the seasoned flour. Dip the chicken in the batter, then dip it again in the seasoned flour. Fry the chicken until it’s crispy and well-browned. If you’re in need of serving inspiration, check out our collection of Classic Side Dishes for Fried Chicken. Here are a few of the recipes you’ll find:
How do you flour a fried chicken?
One at a time put the chicken into the dry mix and coat it with a light dusting. Shake very well. You want a very light coating for the initial flouring only. Quickly add the wet chicken piece back into the “Dry Mix” and completely cover the chicken in the mix. Use your hand and press the dry mix into the chicken. I like to give it a solid squeeze.
How do you spice up fried chicken?
Honey Mustard: Drizzle honey mustard sauce over the fried chicken after it is cooked for a sweet and tangy flavor combination. This is ideal for those who enjoy the combination of sweet and savory flavors. Lemon Pepper: Add some lemon pepper seasoning into the dry mix to give your fried chicken a tangy and zesty taste.
What can I add to fried chicken?
You can add Cayenne Pepper to the flour to give the Southern Fried Chicken a kick of heat. You could also add different spices or herbs to the flour mix, such as Rosemary or Thyme. For a tangy twist, add a teaspoon or two of Apple Cider Vinegar to the egg mixture. Want to save this recipe?.
How do I make a fried chicken crust?
Dry mix: We will need to use a portion of the dry mix that we previously pre-mixed mixed with vinegar and cold water to create a wet batter that will coat the chicken. It will create a flavorful and crispy crust when fried together with the dry-mix. White Vinegar: For the wet batter, I like to use white vinegar instead of egg.