Here's how to make best fried chicken
Here's how to make best fried chicken is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Baba-e-Tense on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min
Cost: $12.42 total, $3.11 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Chicken Pieces (bone‑in, skin‑on thighs and drumsticks)
- 2 cups Buttermilk (very cold, chilled)
- 2 teaspoons Salt (for the brine)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked paprika optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon Baking Powder (small pinch, creates bubbles in crust)
- 2 cups All‑Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch (lightens the crust and reduces oil absorption)
- 4 cups Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil such as canola or peanut)
Instructions
Marinate Chicken
In a large mixing bowl combine the cold buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Submerge the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate overnight (12–24 hours).
Time: PT15M
Make Flour Coating
In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of the cold buttermilk and stir until the mixture has small clumps.
Time: PT5M
Dry Chicken
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator, let excess buttermilk drip off, and pat the pieces lightly with paper towels if needed.
Time: PT5M
Coat Chicken
Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. Place the coated pieces on a tray and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Heat Oil
Pour the vegetable oil into the cast‑iron skillet to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium‑high until the oil reaches 350 °F (175 °C). Use a thermometer to check.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
First Fry
Carefully lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 6–7 minutes, turning once, until the coating is lightly golden. Remove and place on the wire rack.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest After First Fry
Let the chicken rest on the rack for about 2 minutes while you heat the oil for the second fry.
Time: PT2M
Second Fry
Raise the oil temperature to 375 °F (190 °C). Fry the chicken again for 2–3 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden‑brown and ultra‑crisp. Transfer to the rack to drain.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 375°F
Serve
Allow the chicken to rest 5 minutes, then serve hot with your favorite sides.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Last updated: March 22, 2026








