Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
whole fried chicken recipe

Crispy Whole Fried Chicken Recipe

Mariah Annader
This Crispy Whole Fried Chicken recipe delivers a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken with juicy meat and a crunchy outer layer. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 6 P
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Large deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Paper towels
  • Large plate

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken about 3-4 lbs
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce optional
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • Oil for frying vegetable or peanut oil

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

  • Clean the whole chicken, pat it dry, and place it in a large bowl.
  • Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Prepare the Flour Coating:

  • In a large shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and baking powder.

Heat the Oil:

  • Pour enough oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to submerge the chicken. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Coat the Chicken:

  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off.
  • Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it's fully coated. Shake off the excess flour.

Fry the Chicken:

  • Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, breast side down. Fry for about 10-12 minutes, then turn the chicken over and continue frying for another 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Use tongs to carefully remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.

Rest and Serve:

  • Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before serving to ensure the juices settle and the coating remains crispy.

Notes

Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F (175°C) to avoid burning or undercooking the chicken.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if you prefer more or less spice.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.16whole chickenCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: -3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Crispy fried chicken, whole fried chicken, Southern fried chicken, family dinner
Tried this recipe?Mention @mamirecipes_ or tag #mamirecipes!