Crispy Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe: Southern Magic

Crispy, golden garlic chicken fried chicken could be the ultimate comfort meal you’ve been dreaming about.

Succulent pieces of poultry get coated in a magical blend of herbs and spices.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Each bite brings a delightful crunch that melts in your mouth with incredible flavor.

Weeknight dinners just became way more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to make this again and again for everyone at the table.

Double Garlic Tips for Fried Chicken

• Let chicken soak in buttermilk mixture for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness, ideally overnight for best results.
• Use a thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F heat, preventing undercooked or overly greasy chicken during frying.
• Place fried chicken on paper towels to remove surplus oil, ensuring a crispy exterior and lighter texture.
• Cook garlic-infused oil on low heat and watch carefully to avoid bitter, burnt flavors that can ruin the dish.
• Select fresh chicken, premium buttermilk, and robust garlic for an elevated flavor profile that makes the recipe stand out.

Garlic Fried Chicken That Holds Its Crisp

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Restore crispiness by placing chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Warm at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Skip microwave reheating to prevent soggy breading and rubbery meat texture. Use oven method for best results.

Bold Bites for Garlic Fried Chicken

• Amplify Garlic Flavor with Zesty Sides: Whip up a tangy ranch dressing or garlic aioli to complement the chicken's rich, garlicky profile.
• Refresh with Crisp Beverages: Select a cold, hoppy IPA or a bright, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the chicken's richness and cleanse the palate.
• Balance with Cool Salads: Create a light cucumber salad or creamy coleslaw to provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy, intense garlic chicken.
• Enhance with Herbal Accents: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top to add a bright, clean note that lifts the deep garlic and fried flavors.

Fried Chicken with Garlic in Other Styles

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice flour and cornstarch, ensuring crispy texture while catering to gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap flour mixture with almond flour and crushed pork rinds, reducing carbohydrates and maintaining a crunchy coating.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add dried thyme, rosemary, and sage to the dredging mixture for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired chicken experience.
• Spicy Kick Adaptation: Mix cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes into the flour coating, creating a fiery version for heat-loving food enthusiasts.

FAQs

• Why buttermilk in the marinade?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat incredibly soft and juicy while adding a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of other cuts?

Yes, chicken breast works perfectly. Just ensure you slice it into even pieces so they cook uniformly and remain tender. Thinner cuts will cook faster and stay more moist.

• How do I know the oil temperature without a thermometer?

Drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it turns golden brown in about 60 seconds, the oil is around 350°F and ready for frying. If it browns too quickly, the oil is too hot; if it takes longer, the oil needs more heating.

• What makes the chicken extra crispy?

The combination of flour and cornstarch in the dredging mixture creates an extra crispy exterior. Cornstarch helps achieve a crunchier coating by absorbing moisture and creating a lighter, more delicate crisp.

Why Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken Has Big Flavor

Unleash Flavor Explosion: Simple yet Spectacular Garlic Chicken Burst with Irresistible Taste

• Restaurant-Quality Crunch: Professional-level crispy exterior guarantees satisfying texture that rivals gourmet restaurant fried chicken without complex techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual family dinners, game day gatherings, weekend potlucks, or quick weeknight meals that please every palate from kids to adults.
• Intense Garlic Infusion: Multilayered garlic experience through marinade, seasoning, and infused oil creates deep, robust flavor profile that elevates traditional fried chicken to gourmet status.

Fried Chicken Garlic Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender chicken pieces as the star of the dish, boneless and skinless for easy marinating and cooking.

• Buttermilk, Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Creamy marinade that tenderizes chicken and adds rich, tangy flavor. Fresh garlic provides the best taste and aroma.

• Flour, Cornstarch, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt: Crispy coating mixture that creates a golden, crunchy exterior. All-purpose flour works best for traditional texture.

• Oil: Neutral cooking oil with high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil, perfect for deep frying. Temperature control is crucial for even cooking.

• Minced Garlic: Provides intense garlic flavor and golden-brown color when infused in oil. Fresh garlic recommended for best taste.

• Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add color and a light, fresh finish to the dish. Chopped just before serving for maximum flavor.

Fried Garlic Chicken Crisping Steps

Step 1: Soak Chicken in Flavor Bath

Toss chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl with buttermilk, crushing fresh garlic cloves directly into the liquid.

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously.

Mix thoroughly, ensuring every chicken piece gets coated.

Cover and refrigerate for minimum one hour or overnight for deeper flavor penetration.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt

Whisk everything together until completely integrated, creating a seasoned flour mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Sizzling Hot Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer until temperature reaches 350°F.

Pro tip: Test oil readiness by dropping a bread cube; if it turns golden within 60 seconds, you’re ready to fry.

Step 4: Dress Chicken in Crispy Armor

Remove chicken from buttermilk bath, letting excess liquid drip off.

Roll each piece thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere perfectly.

Set prepared pieces aside.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower chicken into hot oil, working in batches to maintain temperature.

Fry for 8-10 minutes, rotating occasionally until exterior turns gorgeous golden brown.

Confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F using meat thermometer.

Step 6: Create Garlic Flavor Boost

In a small pan, warm oil over low heat.

Add minced garlic, cooking carefully until edges turn delicate golden color.

Watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 7: Final Flavor Finish

Drizzle aromatic garlic-infused oil over freshly fried chicken.

Gently toss to distribute delicious garlic essence evenly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer crispy chicken to serving platter.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top.

Serve immediately alongside creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or warm cornbread.

Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern-style Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken delivers crispy, golden perfection with a bold garlic punch that elevates classic comfort food. Juicy chicken beneath a crackling seasoned crust promises a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
• 5 cloves garlic, crushed (for marinade)

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 cups buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar/lemon juice)

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2.3 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic oil)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken pieces with a zesty buttermilk and garlic marinade, ensuring deep flavor penetration. Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour, allowing the liquid to tenderize and enhance the meat’s texture.
2. Craft a crispy coating by blending dry ingredients into a seasoned flour mixture. The combination of cornstarch and spices will create an irresistibly crunchy exterior.
3. Prepare a deep skillet or fryer with oil, heating to the precise temperature of 350°F. Test oil readiness by dropping a bread cube, which should turn golden within 60 seconds.
4. Extract chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip away. Thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to create an even, thick crust.
5. Carefully lower chicken into hot oil, frying in batches to maintain optimal temperature. Rotate pieces periodically to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Create an aromatic garlic-infused oil by gently sautéing minced garlic in a separate pan. Watch carefully to prevent burning, aiming for a delicate golden hue.
7. Transfer crispy chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Drizzle the fragrant garlic oil over the hot chicken, gently tossing to distribute the flavor evenly.
8. Present the golden, crispy chicken immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs. Complement the dish with classic Southern side items like creamy mashed potatoes or tangy coleslaw.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor penetration and tenderness, ensuring each bite is juicy and delicious.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking, preventing dry meat.
• Keep oil temperature consistent between 350-365°F to achieve crispy, golden-brown exterior without greasy texture.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive diners, maintaining the same crunch and seasoning profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marination time)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg