Golden. Juicy. Packed with flavor. The perfect chicken fry every time.
This is the kind of fried chicken that makes you close your eyes when you bite into it. Crispy coating, tender meat, a hit of spice, and just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving comfort food at home, this recipe delivers the goods—and then some.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1½ lbs (700g) chicken pieces (bone-in thighs, drumsticks, or boneless if preferred)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or ½ cup yogurt + ½ cup water)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika or Kashmiri chili powder (for color)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin powder (optional for an earthy twist)
- 1 tsp garam masala or allspice (optional, if going Indian-style)
- ½ tsp turmeric (optional for color and warmth)
For the Coating:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (makes it extra crispy)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika or chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Water (to create a dredging slurry – about ½ cup)
For Frying:
- Neutral oil (like vegetable, peanut, or canola) – enough to submerge pieces