Crispy fried chicken cooks to a golden brown. The meat inside of the crust is moist and tender with a pleasant spicy tang. This is better than your mom's fried chicken.
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Crispy Fried Chicken our history
Mamma made the best fried chicken! Every time we came to visit them in Iowa, she would treat us to her delicious crispy fried chicken.
She would fillet the whole bird, save the bones for broth, then salt and pepper each piece. Her crispy coating for the chicken was flour, egg wash, and cracker meal.
Cracker meal is finely crushed up crackers. I've seen it in the grocery stores but mamma bought hers from the local cookie/cracker factory where she worked.
But her magic didn't just work on the coating, she was able to stretch one bird to feed seven of us plus have leftovers for us to take home. Honey would always ask me afterward, "Are you positive that was just one chicken?"
"It is," I said. "I asked her."
For many years we made our fried chicken just like mamma.
Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe Evolves
Then came the day we discovered Panko crumbs. That was the day we forgot about the cracker meal and went on to better and crunchier coatings. We decided to fry some fish fillets and we couldn't believe how crunchy the crumbs were.
We believe this is the perfect formula: flour, buttermilk instead of egg wash, and Panko crumbs.
Anytime we have a dish that needs a special coating, like our green tomatoes, we fall back on our special formula:
- dip in flour and shake off excess.
- bathe in buttermilk and let excess drip off.
- roll in Panko crumbs and gently press the crumbs into the piece to be fried.
- place in the fridge to set the crumbs.
This time we planned to prepare and fry our chicken just like we always did, but Honey was feeling adventuresome. He decided to try something different with the thawed chicken tenders. Our secret addition -- Frank's Red Hot Original!!
He coated each chicken piece with Frank's, covered the plate with plastic wrap, and set the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator 2 to 3 hours. Turn the pieces occasionally.
Frying the Chicken to Golden Brown
And 30 minutes or so before frying time, we took the chicken out of the fridge and proceeded with the flour, buttermilk, Panko routine. We put the chicken on a wire rack over a baking tray and set it back in the fridge.
It's important to keep the breaded pieces in the refrigerator for about 15 to 30 minutes. This sets the coating and seals the pieces so that they stay moist and flavorful but don't absorb the oil.
We always use peanut oil. We find that it's the best for frying. The nice part of peanut oil is that you can use it many times, it doesn't get that strong taste or odor. (You know what I'm talking about, that heavy fishy oily smell.)
You heat the oil to 340 F. in a Dutch Oven or fryer. Add a few pieces of chicken at a time. You don't want to overcrowd. In a deep fryer, you don't have to turn the pieces to get them evenly brown but you may have to in a Dutch oven or deep pan.
Fry until the pieces reach that beautiful golden brown. Place them on a wire rack over a tray. Salt and pepper the pieces then place them in a 180 F. oven to keep warm. Fry the rest of the pieces in batches until they're all done.
Enjoy your better than mom's Crunchy Fried Chicken.
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
YOU MAY NEED...
These all-purpose metal tongs are similar to the ones we have. Don't ever buy the ones with the rubberized tips. They are useless and can cause an accident. We even take these tongs when we travel -- yes they're that great!
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Spicy Golden Brown Crispy Fried Chicken
📖 Recipe
Crispy Fried Chicken Golden Brown With Spicy Tang
Ingredients
- 2 lb Boned and skinned chicken pieces -- as many as you want.
- ½ cup Frank's RedHot Sauce original for marinade.
- 2 -3 cups all-purpose flour in a plastic bag for 1 first coating.
- 2 cup cupsButtermilk for dipping - amount as needed.
- 3 cup or more cups Panko crumbs for coating amount as needed.
- ½ cup Peanut oil for deep frying.
Instructions
- Brush Franks on all the chicken pieces. Make sure they are well-coated. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator 1 to 2 hours.
- Remove the chicken and drop the pieces into the flour bag. Shake the bag so that the piece are coated but shake off the excess.
- Coat the floured pieces with the buttermilk, let excess buttermilk drip off before placing them in the Panko crumbs.
- Firmly press the Panko crumbs onto the pieces so that they are well-covered.
- Place the breaded pieces on a cooling rack inside the tray. Continue to do this until all the pieces are done.
- Put the tray in the refrigerator as you prepare the oil for frying.
- Once the oil reaches the proper temperature of 340 F. Using tongs add several pieces into the fryer basket or Dutch oven. In the deep fryer you won't have to turn the chicken pieces but you may have to in the pan.
- If you think the chicken is browning too fast, turn down the heat a little.
- Remove the pieces from the oil and place them on a cooling rack. Put the tray with the chicken in a 180 F. oven to keep warm as you finish the rest of the batches.
- Be prepared to eat some delicious crispy chicken.
Notes
Nutrition
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Moop Brown
This chicken looks perfectly golden and mouthwatering. Definitely a recipe I can't wait to try making.
Nicole
You've got me craving fried chicken now! Loving that you baste the chicken in hot sauce first, such a great idea! My husband is a huge hot sauce fan so I know he will love these.
Debbie
My family is crazy about fried chicken strips and these are a new favorite. Brushing them with Franks adds a touch of spice that makes this special. This will be my go to recipe for now on.
Tammy
I love that you marinated it in hot sauce...we're big fans of Frank's here! Such a delicious recipe and that panko coating is perfection! These look and sound awesome!
Kate
We made this fried chicken recipe on Saturday and I can say everyone was blown away! Absolutely delicious!
Leslie
This recipe is the epitome of Crispy Fried Chicken! It seriously doesn't get much better than this!
Melanie C
I had to try this recipe when I saw the pictures. It looks so yummy and crispy, just heavenly! It was every bit as good as what the pictures looked.... this recipe is definitely a keeper for our next 'fried chicken night'!
FOODHEAL
Wow! this golden color is a promise of a good crispy and tasty chicken in there.
FOODHEAL
Wow! that golden color is a promise of a good crispy and tasty chicken. You did a good job.
Kathryn
This Crispy Fried Chicken is AMAZING! I loved fried chicken and this tastes better than any other ones we've made at home. It was super easy to make and perfectly light and crispy. Thank you!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Kathryn! So happy you enjoyed it. Don't forget, you can use the same coating on seafood.
Healing Tomato
Everyone I know loves fried chicken, so, they are all loving your recipe so much. This fried chicken looks really easy to make and it looks amazing too.
Bernice Hill
How did you know I've been craving chicken fingers? I've got to make these really soon and curb that craving.
HEATHER
Oh wow these look like crispy perfection! And love that they have a little kick too. Wish I could reach into my computer and grab one. Totally making these!
Jolina
We always struggle with frying crispy fried chicken. They often turn out sad and soggy. Thanks for the tips!
Marisa Franca
You're welcome, Jolina! Good luck on your next fried chicken.
Fahmida
Homemade is best…and this looks totally delicious. I know I would have no problem eating a couple of pieces at dinner….and would want more.
Denise
It looks so crispy and sounds so tasty! Perfect fried chicken, delicious!
Heather
These look so crispy and delicious and I had no idea to move the chicken to the refrigerator to set the panco breadcrumbs! Spicy and crispy.. that equal PERFECT chicken!
Catherine
Marisa, your chicken looks beautiful and crispy...and I love the addition of the hot sauce for the bit of tang. My family would absolutely love this!
Ruchi
The golden color looks so inviting! It took me only a second to realize how crunchy this chicken is, perfect.
Jodi
These look so delicious, my family would love them! I have to admit I have never deep fried anything and have no idea how to, so your instructions were helpful. I am wondering how this recipe would turn out if I baked them in the oven? Not quite the same, I'm sure!
Carmy
I love how these are marinaded in Frank's red hot! That'll definitely give a kick to the chicken. I really want a fryer at home because look at the crispiness on that chicken!
Veena Azmanov
I love fried chicken but I can't remember when was the last time I had fried chicken. This looks so good. Love how golden the color is. Saving for later - I definitely want to make this soon.
Claudia Lamascolo
The color of this chicken is fabulous! I just love crispy fried chicken and so does the whole family! My husband will go crazy over this when I make it for him! Thanks Marisa!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
Fried chicken is so good. Homemade is best...and this looks totally delicious. I know I would have no problem eating a couple of pieces at dinner....and would want more. Nothing beats crispy chicken.
Marisa Franca
You've reminded me of something, Gloria. We haven't had fried chicken in a while, I'm in the mood. Happy Valentine's Day.
Jamie
My husband and I started eating healthier a couple months ago so what do I do... torture myself by looking at fried food recipes! Lol. This sounds delicious. I may have try it out in my air fryer for a cheat meal!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Jamie! Hubby and I just treat ourselves to fried foods -- it makes it extra special. Let me know how it works out with the air fryer.
Ashley - Forking Up
Fried chicken is my favorite thing, but I'm always worried it'll be undercooked! The panko is a great update to this classic.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Ashley! It is good and you might get an insta-read thermometer. They are great and we use it when we're unsure.
Lori Hill
This sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty
Marisa Franca
You're welcome, Lori! When it tastes good we love to share.
Renee Gardner
Panko crusted chicken is my favorite way to bread it! So crispy without being super greasy.
Marisa Franca
You are so right, Renee. We gave up breadcrumbs a long time ago and stuck with Panko breadcrumbs.
annie@ciaochowbambina
Three words : THIS IS HAPPENING!! Pinned!
Marisa Franca
Your family will love it, Annie! xoxo
Erin @ The Speckled Palate
I am a sucker for fried chicken like this! That golden brown color! The crunch from the panko! YUM! I don't think you could go wrong with this!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Erin! It is a great coating! We've used it on fish and green tomatoes. Absolutely delicious on everything.
swathi
I agree with you this is really crispy chicken love it. My son is chicken nuggets fan. I will make this for him. Your recipe is really easy and great he will love it I am sure.
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen
This fried chicken looks perfect! It's tough it get the perfect flavor and crunch without the chicken being greasy. Looks like this is a great combination, though.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Kimberly! It's not greasy at all -- it still tastes great the following day.
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen
The coating on that chicken looks perfect! My oldest loves things with a kick in the flavor so he'd really appreciate the Frank's being in there.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Val! Your son will love the flavor of this chicken. The only problem will be he'll keep asking that you make it!!????
Amanda Mason
I'm sure your version is better than mama's but MAN I loved reading about how she made her fried chicken and how she fed so many people with 1 bird! Those were the good ole' days!
You're version looks and sounds divine though!! I'll be checking this out!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Amanda! Yes, indeed! Our parents and grandparents could sure stretch a meal. Frankly, I don't know how they did it.
Adriana Lopez Martin
You never go wrong with yummy crispy fried chicken and even better if you add a fresh salad and dipping sauces. Just a lovely dish!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Adriana! Thank you! We did have a salad and some wine. It was perfect.
Karyl | Karyl's Kulinary Krusade
I love fried chicken! I rarely ever deep fry, but when I do, I almost always use Panko. I like the lighter taste and crispier crunch that you get with it. I've never fried with peanut oil, but I will have to get some to avoid that oil "smell" you talk about
Marisa Franca
Hi, Karyl! You'll also find that you can reuse peanut oil many times. It doesn't get that "old" taste. It may cost more at the onset, but in the end, it is more economical and the food tastes better.
Catherine
Love the addition of the hot sauce. These look fantastic! I'm hungry all over again!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Catherine. Marinating the chicken first in Frank's hot sauce gives the bird a nice spicy taste.
Teri Stephens
Love this recipe and the use of hot sauce and buttermilk. That is how my father in law taught me to marinate our chicken before frying. (Great minds think alike??) Great use of panko, I will be giving this a try next time.
Marisa Franca
Hello, Teri! You'll love the fried chicken. We don't fry a lot of foods but when we do we go all out. xoxo
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
I don't even know the last time I made fried chicken. I love using buttermilk and panko breadcrumbs too. I know my grandkids would LOVE this. Guess gramma will have to make it for them the next time we have a "sleep over" weekend.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Gloria! Your grandkids will love the chicken. Our grandsons and kids really love the way we make it, thanks to my mamma for the inspiration.
Veena Azmanov
Marisa the color on these chicken pieces is to die for.!! I love a good color on my food. The breading mix sounds so perfect. My kids love something similar called schnitzel but not deep fried. So I make that almost once a week!! Kids favorite lol. It's amazing how similar our foods are despite all the many cultural differences in the world.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Veena! We are the same way about the color. That golden brown just invites you to dig in! Can you get Panko crumbs? They now even make flavored, although we just buy ours plain -- in a huge bag! ????
Noel Lizotte
I love fried chicken, but never make it at home because I'm terrified of fryers. LOL.
Needless to say, I should try your approach - it sounds so simple and safe.
And Delicious! mostly because it seems delicious.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Noel! Just use a Dutch oven -- you don't have to fill pot all the way up. All you need is for there to be enough oil that it covers the pieces. Deep frying goes faster and we've had that fryer for years. It's cranked out a lot of fried chicken, fried fish, and fried green tomatoes.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
We love fried chicken, and eat it quite often! I've never been one of those who skipped making fried chicken because it takes too long. I love your version, and will be trying it out, because the crispier the better!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Joanna! We agree -- the crispier the better! If you like fried fish, it makes a great coating for it too.
MojaPolsha
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Marisa Franca
Hello!! I'm happy you found our site too and thank you for your comment. I really appreciate hearing from our readers. Hope you have a wonderful day.
Ashima
These look delicious. My nephews love fried chicken and I am sure when they come visiting we are going to try your way!
Thanks for sharing!
Marisa Franca
You're welcome, Ashima! I'm certain you and your nephews will like the chicken. It's always a hit with our grandsons.
Patti
The photo of that chicken is amazing. It looks delicious. I love the clarity in your instructions for properly breading them. I also love that you're using buttermilk instead of eggs. I can't wait to try this.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Patti! That buttermilk really helps the Panko crumbs stick. I hope you try it out. Have a great weekend.
Susie
Hi Marisa, You can't beat fried chicken! This looks delicious and cooked to perfection. Gary loves heat, so I know this will be a thumbs up for him. Thanks, for another great recipe????
Have a fun, relaxing time.....Much love to both
Carrie
This looks like perfection! I use Panko crumbs all of the time but I love the idea of adding a little kick using Frank’s Hot Sauce. Definitely giving this a try this weekend!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Carrie! Panko crumbs are the best, aren't they? Wait until you try Frank's with it -- great taste!!xoxo
Cheryl
This looks cooked to perfection! And I always brine my chicken strips in buttermilk with a little Franks 🙂
Marisa Franca
Great minds, Cheryl!! Now try the Panko crumbs and fry the chicken up. YUM!!
Rosemary
Looks amazing as usual Marisa, I love breaded chicken and I actually found Panko so I can't wait to try it.
Marisa Franca
Ciao, Rosemary! Your family will love it! The crunch is amazing! Abbracci!
Diane P.
Beautiful breading on that chicken! Don't you just love Panko? Have not used bread crumbs, or flour for a breaded crust, since I discovered it Will have to try this soon----like maybe for Sunday dinner!!
Marisa Franca
Ciao, Diane! Thank you! I believe The Mr. will really enjoy the meal. Let me know what he says. Un abbraccio forte. ????
Jovina Coughlin
Does that ever look delicious. Lots good tasting additions to the breading. Bet they didn't last long.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Jovina! No, the chicken didn't last long. The breading + Frank's just enhances the taste of the chicken. Have a wonderful day.