Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Chef shares SECRET to the Juiciest, Crunchiest Fried Chicken 🐔 🍗

Recipe by Danny Kim

Learn how to make the ultimate crispy fried chicken using a self‑rising flour blend, pickle‑juice brine, and a double‑fry technique. This recipe from YouTube chef Danny Kim guarantees a crunchy, crackly crust and juicy meat every time.

MediumAmerican (Southern)Serves 4

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

Source Video
40m
Prep
26m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.41
Total cost
$2.60
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Creating a self‑rising flour coating with baking powder and soda for lift.
  • Brining the chicken in pickle juice for acidity and tenderness.
  • Maintaining precise oil temperatures for the double‑fry method.
  • Allowing the chicken to rest between the two fry cycles.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use a deep‑fat thermometer and never leave unattended.
  • Do not fill the pot more than half full with oil to prevent overflow.
  • Handle raw chicken with separate utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Fried chicken became a staple of Southern cooking in the 19th century, blending Scottish frying techniques with African seasoning traditions. It is celebrated as comfort food and is often served at family gatherings, holidays, and church potlucks.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of fried chicken exist within the United States?

A

In the South you’ll find buttermilk‑marinated chicken, while Nashville hot chicken adds a spicy cayenne glaze. Korean fried chicken uses a double‑fry method similar to Danny Kim’s recipe, resulting in an ultra‑crisp crust.

cultural
Q

How is fried chicken traditionally served in Southern cuisine?

A

It is typically served hot with sides such as coleslaw, biscuits, mashed potatoes, and sweet tea. In many Southern homes, the chicken is presented on a platter with pickles and fresh lemon wedges.

cultural
Q

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

A

Fried chicken is a centerpiece at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Fourth of July picnics, and church fundraisers. It’s also a popular dish for birthday parties and backyard barbecues.

cultural
Q

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

A

Traditional recipes use all‑purpose flour, buttermilk or pickle brine, and a blend of salt, pepper, and paprika. Substitutes like corn starch for extra crispness or chipotle powder for heat are modern twists that still work well.

cultural
Q

What other Southern dishes pair well with Danny Kim’s crispiest double‑fried chicken?

A

Classic pairings include creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, mac & cheese, and sweet potato fries. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Danny Kim’s double‑fried chicken?

A

Common errors include skipping the brine, not drying the chicken before coating, overcrowding the oil, and failing to control oil temperature between the two fry stages. Each mistake leads to soggy or unevenly cooked chicken.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a double‑fry method instead of a single deep‑fry?

A

The first low‑temperature fry cooks the meat through without browning the crust, while the second high‑temperature fry creates a golden, crackly exterior. This two‑step process yields a consistently crisp texture that single‑fry methods often miss.

technical
Q

Can I make Danny Kim’s crispiest fried chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Brine the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, and you can also fry it fully, then freeze. Store refrigerated leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a 350°F oven to restore crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Danny Kim specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Danny Kim focuses on practical, technique‑driven cooking tutorials that blend Korean influences with classic Western comfort foods, offering clear step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Danny Kim’s approach to fried chicken differ from other cooking channels?

A

Danny Kim emphasizes scientific temperature control, the use of a brine for tenderness, and a double‑fry method, whereas many channels rely on a single fry or buttermilk soak without precise temperature monitoring.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Southern Hamburger Steak with Onion Mushroom Gravy

Southern Hamburger Steak with Onion Mushroom Gravy

A hearty Southern comfort dish featuring thick, seasoned hamburger steaks simmered in a rich onion‑mushroom gravy. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe uses ground beef, bacon, and a simple flour coating for a crispy exterior, then finishes low‑and‑slow so the meat stays juicy and flavorful.

1 hr 25 min
Serves 4
$16
14 views
American (Southern)Medium
5 Steps To The Perfect Crispy Fried Chicken

5 Steps To The Perfect Crispy Fried Chicken

A step‑by‑step guide to making ultra‑crispy fried chicken at home using a dry‑brine, a double‑dredge of seasoned flour and egg‑white wash, and a shallow‑fry in a cast‑iron skillet. The method creates a crunchy, golden crust while keeping the meat juicy.

4 hrs 50 min
Serves 4
$14
8 views
American (Southern)Medium
Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A Southern‑style crispy fried chicken marinated in tangy buttermilk and seasoned with a blend of lemon pepper, hot sauce, and a secret seasoning mix. Perfect for Friendsgiving or any gathering, this recipe delivers juicy meat inside a golden, crunchy crust.

1 hr 5 min
Serves 6
$24
2 views
American (Southern)Medium
New Orleans Mac and Cheese

New Orleans Mac and Cheese

A creamy, baked mac and cheese inspired by New Orleans cuisine, featuring the classic Holy Trinity of onion, celery and bell pepper, smoked paprika, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses tossed with bucatini and baked until golden.

1 hr 52 min
Serves 6
$11
11 views
American (Southern)Medium
Chef Dad’s Home Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food!

Chef Dad’s Home Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food!

A crispy, juicy Southern‑style fried chicken made by marinating bone‑in thighs and drumsticks in a seasoned buttermilk brine overnight, then coating in a flour‑cornstarch mixture and frying to golden perfection. Finished in the oven for extra crispness, this recipe delivers restaurant‑quality flavor at home.

1 hr 15 min
Serves 4
$78
4 views
American (Southern)Medium
One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice

One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice

A comforting Southern-inspired one‑pot smothered chicken and rice. Boneless chicken thighs are browned, then simmered with butter, onion, garlic, rice, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth for a creamy, flavorful gravy. Optional mushrooms add earthiness. Ready in about 1 hour 15 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

1 hr 13 min
Serves 4
$27
12 views
American (Southern)Easy