The Best Fried Chicken Ever❗️🤯

The Best Fried Chicken Ever❗️🤯 is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Zayd0lla on YouTube.

Prep: 50 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $17.39 total, $4.35 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 pieces Chicken Pieces (Bone‑in, skin‑on thighs or drumsticks for maximum crispness)
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (Full‑fat for best flavor and tenderness)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Drizzle for seasoning; extra‑virgin recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce (Adjust to preferred heat level)
  • 2 tablespoons All‑Purpose Seasoning (Store‑bought or homemade blend of salt, pepper, herbs)
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (Smoked or sweet, according to preference)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Citrus Blend (Lemon or orange zest powder; adds bright flavor)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup All‑Purpose Flour (Sifted)
  • 0.5 cup Corn Starch
  • 4 cups Vegetable Oil (High smoke‑point oil for deep frying)

Instructions

  1. Make the seasoning blend

    In a small bowl combine the all‑purpose seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, citrus blend, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Season the chicken

    Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over them, then toss with half of the seasoning blend until every surface is coated.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prepare the buttermilk marinade

    In a mixing bowl whisk together the buttermilk, the remaining half of the seasoning blend, hot sauce, and the other 1 tbsp olive oil.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Marinate the chicken

    Submerge the seasoned chicken in the buttermilk mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for maximum flavor).

    Time: PT30M

  5. Make the flour coating

    In a large bowl (or zip‑top bag) combine the flour, corn starch, and the remaining seasoning blend. Mix thoroughly.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Coat the chicken

    Remove each piece from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Toss the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating adheres. Place coated pieces on a tray and let rest 5 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Heat the oil

    Fill the deep pot with enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken (about 4 cups). Heat over medium‑high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Fry the chicken

    Working in batches, carefully lower the chicken pieces with tongs. Fry 8‑10 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Drain and rest

    Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or onto paper towels. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to settle.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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The Best Fried Chicken Ever❗️🤯

Recipe by Zayd0lla

A crunchy, juicy fried chicken recipe that uses a bright citrus seasoning blend, a tangy buttermilk hot‑sauce marinate, and a flour‑cornstarch coating for extra crispness. Perfect for a comforting dinner or a weekend feast.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 13m
Prep
15m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.39
Total cost
$4.35
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season chicken thoroughly with the citrus‑spice blend
  • Marinate chicken in the buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes
  • Coat chicken with flour‑cornstarch mixture and let set
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F throughout frying
  • Fry until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; handle with care.
  • Use a thermometer to avoid overheating oil.
  • Never leave frying oil unattended.
  • Keep children and pets away from the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of fried chicken in Southern American cuisine?

A

Fried chicken became a staple of Southern American cooking in the 19th century, blending Scottish frying techniques with African seasoning traditions. It evolved into a comfort food symbol of hospitality and family gatherings across the United States.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fried chicken in the United States?

A

In the South, chicken is often brined or marinated in buttermilk and seasoned heavily. Nashville hot chicken adds a spicy cayenne glaze, while Korean fried chicken uses a thin, double‑fried crust with a sweet‑spicy sauce. Each region puts its own spin on the classic.

cultural
Q

How is fried chicken traditionally served in the Southern United States?

A

It is typically served hot with sides such as buttery biscuits, creamy coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and sweet tea. The chicken may be presented on a platter with lemon wedges for a bright finish.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is fried chicken traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Fried chicken is a popular dish for family picnics, Sunday dinners, holidays like Thanksgiving, and community events such as church potlucks. Its portable nature makes it a favorite for outdoor gatherings.

cultural
Q

How does fried chicken fit into the broader Southern cuisine tradition?

A

Fried chicken exemplifies Southern cuisine’s emphasis on bold flavors, comfort, and resourceful cooking methods. It pairs naturally with other Southern staples like collard greens, cornbread, and gravy.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Southern fried chicken versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include bone‑in, skin‑on chicken, buttermilk, all‑purpose flour, and a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Substitutes like boneless breasts, milk‑plus‑lemon for buttermilk, or corn starch in the coating are acceptable but may alter texture.

cultural
Q

What other Southern dishes pair well with citrus‑seasoned fried chicken?

A

Serve it alongside creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, honey‑glazed carrots, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette. A side of mac and cheese also complements the bright citrus notes.

cultural
Q

What makes this citrus‑seasoned fried chicken special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The addition of a citrus blend to the seasoning and buttermilk adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich, crunchy crust, setting it apart from classic Southern recipes that rely solely on pepper and paprika.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making citrus‑seasoned fried chicken at home?

A

Common errors include not drying the chicken before coating, using oil that’s too hot or too cool, overcrowding the pot, and skipping the rest period after coating. Each mistake can lead to a soggy or burnt crust.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use corn starch in the flour coating instead of only flour?

A

Corn starch absorbs less oil and creates a lighter, crisper crust. It also helps the coating stay attached during the high‑heat frying process, especially when the chicken is heavily seasoned.

technical
Q

Can I make citrus‑seasoned fried chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Marinate the chicken overnight, then coat and refrigerate up to 12 hours before frying. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in a 350°F oven to retain crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Zayd0lla specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Zayd0lla focuses on quick, flavorful home‑cooked meals with a modern twist, often highlighting bold seasonings and easy‑to‑follow techniques for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Zayd0lla's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Zayd0lla emphasizes high‑energy, concise tutorials that blend classic comfort dishes with unexpected flavor boosts—like the citrus blend in this fried chicken—while keeping ingredient lists short and accessible for home cooks.

channel

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