Description
Pan Fried Chicken is a beloved American classic featuring juicy chicken thighs or drumsticks coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to golden, crispy perfection. This simple and flavorful recipe is ideal for family dinners and pairs wonderfully with comfort sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Seasoned Flour Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, enough for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour buttermilk over the chicken pieces in a bowl, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes; this helps tenderize the meat and adds moisture.
- Prepare the Flour Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the flour.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge the chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring every surface is evenly coated for maximum crispiness.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth suitable for shallow frying. Heat the oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking—this temperature ensures a perfectly crispy crust without burning.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 12 to 15 minutes total, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Cook until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Drain Excess Oil: Using tongs, transfer the fried chicken onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil, maintaining the crisp coating.
- Serve Hot: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then serve immediately while hot and crispy. It pairs excellently with mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a classic meal experience.
Notes
- Maintain medium heat throughout frying to prevent the coating from burning while ensuring the chicken cooks fully.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after frying to let juices redistribute and avoid dryness.
- For best results, serve with traditional sides such as creamy mashed potatoes or fresh coleslaw.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
