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- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 tablespoon hot sauce - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spice preference) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt - Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil) To make crispy KFC-style chicken, you need simple, fresh ingredients. The chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and the skin gives that perfect crunch. Buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness, while hot sauce gives a spicy kick. The flour mix packs a punch with garlic and onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. These spices bring warmth and depth. Dried thyme, black pepper, and salt round out the taste. Use vegetable or peanut oil for frying. The right oil choice helps achieve that golden brown color and crisp texture. You can find the full recipe to guide you through each step. Happy cooking! - First, combine 1 cup of buttermilk with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce in a bowl. Whisk it until smooth. - Next, place 4 chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the buttermilk mix over the chicken, ensuring it covers every piece. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For the best flavor, let it marinate overnight. - In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. - Set up a dredging station. Place the flour mixture on one side and keep a plate nearby to hold the coated chicken. - Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer. Aim for 350°F (175°C). Make sure there is enough oil to cover the chicken halfway. - Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, skin side down. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown. - Flip the chicken and cook for another 8-10 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. - Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain extra oil. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. For detailed directions, check the Full Recipe. To make your chicken crispy, oil temperature is key. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to check the heat. If your oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb oil and become soggy. If it's too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Another tip is to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry in small batches. If you add too much chicken, the temperature drops. This can lead to uneven cooking and less crunch. Give each piece space to fry properly. For extra flavor, you can add spices to the flour mix. Try adding: - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano These spices will add depth to the taste. You can also try different marinades. Instead of just buttermilk, use a mix of yogurt and lemon juice. This adds a tangy twist to your chicken. Serve your crispy chicken with classic sides. Coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch. Mashed potatoes bring comfort. Don't forget homemade biscuits for a true feast. For presentation, stack the chicken on a large platter. Garnish with fresh parsley. This gives your dish color and makes it pop. Enjoy every bite! {{image_2}} You can use different cuts of chicken for this recipe. Chicken thighs give great flavor and moisture. They stay juicy even when fried. If you want a leaner option, try chicken breasts. They will cook faster, so watch them closely. Chicken wings are also a fun choice. They can be great for parties or game day. Each cut brings its own taste and texture. If you need a gluten-free option, you can switch the flour. Almond flour or rice flour works well. These flours can give a nice crunch, too. Just make sure to check the labels. Sometimes they may have added ingredients. Your chicken will still turn out crispy and tasty. This way, everyone can enjoy it! Do you like it spicy? You can easily adjust the heat level. Add more cayenne pepper for a kick. If you prefer it mild, use less cayenne. You can also add black pepper to taste. For a new twist, try adding chili powder or paprika. Each change gives a new flavor. You get to choose how spicy or mild you want your chicken! To keep your crispy chicken fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken moist. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate pieces with parchment paper to avoid sticking. This method helps preserve the flavor and texture. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece of chicken in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date. To reheat your chicken, aim to keep it crispy. The oven is a great choice. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until hot. Another option is using an air fryer. This method can help maintain that crispy coating. Heat it at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Enjoy your delicious leftover chicken! For frying chicken, I recommend using vegetable oil or peanut oil. These oils have high smoke points, which means they can handle high heat without burning. This helps the chicken cook evenly and develop that perfect crispy crust. Both oils also have a neutral flavor, allowing the chicken's taste to shine through. Marinating the chicken is key for flavor and tenderness. I suggest marinating for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the buttermilk and hot sauce to soak deep into the meat. The longer the chicken sits, the more juicy and flavorful it becomes. Yes, you can bake this chicken if you prefer a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After coating the chicken, place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you a crispy result, but it may not be as crisp as frying. You can find the full recipe for crispy KFC-style chicken [here](#). It includes all the steps and details you need to make this dish at home. You now have all the tools to make delicious fried chicken. We covered the essential ingredients, from chicken thighs to spices. You'll know how to marinate, fry, and get that crispy texture. Remember the tips for flavor and storage to keep your chicken tasty. If you're feeling adventurous, try different cuts or spice levels. Fried chicken can be your go-to meal, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking and the great meals ahead!

Crispy KFC-Style Chicken

Craving crispy KFC-style chicken at home? Discover the secret to making perfectly crunchy and flavorful fried chicken with this easy recipe! Marinated in a zesty buttermilk blend and coated in a delicious spice mix, each bite is pure bliss. From prep to frying, you'll have mouthwatering chicken ready to impress your family and friends. Click through now to explore this recipe and elevate your dinner game!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon hot sauce

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Whisk until well blended.

    Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish, and pour the buttermilk mixture over the chicken. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, black pepper, and salt.

        Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and allow excess to drip off.

          Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.

            Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there is enough oil to submerge the chicken halfway.

              Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, skin side down. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

                Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the coating is crispy.

                  Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

                    Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve with a side of coleslaw and homemade biscuits. Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy!