Fried Chicken

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, Fried Chicken is a classic recipe that never goes out of style. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a family meal, with the irresistible flavor of perfectly fried chicken!

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

8 pieces of chicken (thighs, drumsticks or breast cut into strips)

2 cups of milk

1 tablespoon of white vinegar (or lemon juice)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of onion powder

1 teaspoon of sweet paprika (optional)

1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)

For the breading:

2 cups of wheat flour

1 tablespoon of salt

1 teaspoon of black pepper

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of onion powder

1 teaspoon of paprika

1/2 teaspoon of baking powder (for a lighter coating)

For frying:

Vegetable or canola oil (enough to coat the bottom of the pan or for deep frying)

Directions Preparation:

Marinate the chicken:

Mix milk and vinegar (to make homemade buttermilk) and add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Place chicken pieces in the mixture and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator (or preferably 3–4 hours for more flavor).

Prepare the breading:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and baking powder.

Bread the chicken:

Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly. If you want a thicker crust, repeat the process: dredge in the marinade and then in the flour again.

Fry the chicken:

Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep pot over medium-high heat (ideal temperature is 350°F to 375°F). Place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 10–12 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).

Drain excess oil:

Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Extra tip:

For extra crispiness, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the breading.

Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or a green salad for a complete meal.