Have you ever wondered why some chicken is super crispy while others just feel soggy? That golden crunch on the outside and juicy bite on the inside—yum! That’s what makes crispy chicken so amazing. It’s a tasty favorite for kids, teens, and adults. Whether it’s fried, baked, or made in the air fryer, crispy chicken is hard to resist.
Let’s dive into this fun and easy recipe that will give you restaurant-style results right at home.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Crispy Chicken Recipe So Special?
Crispy chicken is not just any chicken. It’s coated, cooked, and crunched to perfection! What makes this recipe special is that it’s easy enough for anyone to try. You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy equipment—just simple ingredients and a bit of love.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes or less!
Skill Level
- Easy – even beginners can do it!
- Great for cooking with kids or family fun nights.
Why People Love It
- Super crispy outside
- Tender and juicy inside
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Versatile: sandwiches, salads, bowls, and more
Essential Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Recipe
Here’s what you need to make the crispiest chicken ever:
Main Ingredients
- Chicken pieces (boneless thighs or breasts work best!) – Juicy and tender inside.
- All-purpose flour – Helps make that crunchy crust.
- Cornstarch – Adds extra crunch!
- Eggs – Binds the coating to the chicken.
- Buttermilk – Makes the chicken super moist.
- Breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes – Adds even more texture.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika – For yummy flavor.
- Oil for frying or spraying (if baking/air frying)
Ingredient Swaps
- No buttermilk? Use regular milk with a bit of lemon juice.
- No cornstarch? Use extra flour, but cornstarch gives a crispier crunch.
- No breadcrumbs? Use crushed crackers, pretzels, or cereal.
Flavor Boosters
- Cayenne pepper for heat
- Parmesan cheese for a cheesy crust
- Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Crispy Chicken
Making the best crispy chicken is easier than you think! Follow these expanded, detailed steps:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Trim and clean your chicken pieces. Remove any extra fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken with buttermilk. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a few dashes of hot sauce if you like it spicy.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and gives it more flavor.
🔎 Pro Tip: Don’t skip this step! The longer it marinates, the juicier your chicken will be.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Station
Set up three shallow bowls or trays:
- Dry Mix (Bowl 1): Combine 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Wet Mix (Bowl 2): Crack 2 large eggs into a bowl and beat them well.
- Crunchy Mix (Bowl 3): Add 1–2 cups of breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
🔎 Pro Tip: Using crushed cornflakes will give your chicken an ultra-crispy texture that’s better than most restaurants!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk.
- First, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture. Make sure it’s fully coated.
- Then, dip it in the beaten eggs.
- Finally, coat it generously in the breadcrumb or cornflake mix.
Optional: For extra crispiness, repeat the flour–egg–breadcrumb step for a double coat!
🔎 Pro Tip: Press the crumbs onto the chicken to help them stick better.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
You can choose from three different cooking methods. Each one delivers crispy, delicious results:
Frying Method (for classic crispy chicken):
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Place on a wire rack to cool slightly (don’t use paper towels—it makes the bottom soggy!).
Baking Method (a healthier choice):
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange coated chicken on the rack and lightly spray with cooking oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway.
Air Frying Method (quick and easy!):
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Place chicken in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
- Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
🔎 Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
Crispy Chicken Assembly: Build and Serve It Right!
Now that your crispy chicken is ready, here’s how to serve it:
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- Toasted bun
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Mayo or honey mustard
- Crispy chicken on top
Chicken and Waffles
- Sweet waffles
- Hot, crispy chicken
- A drizzle of maple syrup
Chicken with Sides
- Mashed potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Coleslaw or mac and cheese
Presentation Tip: Sprinkle a little parsley or fresh herbs on top for a restaurant look!
Storage and Reheat Tips for Crispy Chicken
How to Store
- Let the chicken cool completely.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes
- Air fryer: 375°F for 5–7 minutes
- Avoid microwave – it can make the chicken soggy.
Tip: Reheat on a wire rack to keep the bottom crispy too!
Recipe Variations: Get Creative!
Want to make it your own? Try these fun twists:
Spicy Crispy Chicken Recipe
- Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour mix.
Garlic Parmesan
- Toss crispy chicken in melted butter, garlic, and grated parmesan.
Sweet and Savory
- Drizzle with honey or hot honey for a sweet-spicy combo.
Lemon Herb
- Add lemon zest and dried herbs for a fresh taste.
Crispy Chicken Tenders
- Slice chicken into strips before coating for a fun, kid-friendly snack.
Asian-Style Crispy Chicken
- Serve with sweet chili sauce or soy-ginger glaze.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Crunch Into Crispy Chicken Recipe
Crispy chicken is easy, fast, and full of flavor. Whether you fry it, bake it, or air-fry it, the golden crust and juicy inside will wow everyone at your table. So grab your ingredients and give this tasty recipe a try. Your crispy chicken adventure is just beginning!
❓ FAQs About Crispy Chicken
1. Is crispy chicken healthy?
It can be! Try baking or air frying to use less oil. Using lean chicken breast and adding a veggie side makes it a balanced meal.
2. Can I freeze crispy chicken?
Yes! Let it cool first, then freeze in a sealed container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy again.
3. How do I make it extra crispy?
Use a mix of flour and cornstarch. Also, double coat the chicken if you want an extra-thick crunch!
4. Can I use chicken wings or drumsticks?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are cooked through. Use a meat thermometer—165°F means it’s done.
5. What dips go best with crispy chicken?
Try ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or even a bit of ketchup!
6. How long can I store leftovers?
Up to 3 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month.
7. What should I serve with crispy chicken?
Classic sides include fries, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and green beans.
8. Is it okay to use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it first before marinating or coating.
9. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
10. What if my chicken isn’t crispy enough?
Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F) and don’t overcrowd the pan. Also, let it rest on a rack, not paper towels.*
Love adding a touch of personality to your kitchen or dining space? While you’re whipping up that perfect crispy chicken, why not serve it with style too? Check out my curated collection of unique, handcrafted kitchen and dining decor at Artisan at Marrakech on Chairish. From beautiful serving pieces to artisanal accents, everything is made with love and inspired by timeless Moroccan craftsmanship. A crispy chicken meal deserves a beautiful table to match.
Crispy Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- Ingredients Serves 4
- 🍗 For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs about 4 pieces boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: few dashes of hot sauce for marinade
- 🌾 For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch for extra crispiness
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
- Cooking oil for frying or spray oil for baking/air-frying
Notes
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
✅ Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix chicken with buttermilk, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (optional).
- Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
✅ Step 2: Prepare the Coating
Set up 3 bowls:- Dry Mix: Flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Wet Mix: Beat the eggs
- Crunchy Mix: Breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
✅ Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the marinade.
- Dredge in dry mix → dip in eggs → coat in breadcrumbs.
- Optional: Double dip for extra crunch.
✅ Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Frying:- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry 4–5 mins per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on a rack.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking tray. Spray with oil. Bake 20–25 minutes, flip halfway.
- Preheat to 375°F. Air fry for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
✅ Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides or sauces.