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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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