Julia Walton
Golden, crunchy, and bursting with homestyle flavor, this Crispy Country Fried Chicken is everything you want in a comfort food classic. With its perfectly seasoned breading and juicy, tender meat, it tastes just like the ones Grandma used to make on Sunday afternoons. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a rush of savory goodness, making it the ultimate dish for family dinners or a cozy weekend treat.
What makes this recipe special isn’t just the crispy crust but the love and care that goes into seasoning the chicken. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the meat while the seasoned flour gives it that irresistible golden crunch. Whether you serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or fresh garden salad, this fried chicken is bound to bring everyone to the table.
What Kind of Chicken Works Best for Country Fried Chicken?
Bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks are ideal because they stay juicy while frying, but boneless chicken breasts also work if you prefer quicker cooking. The key is to use fresh, quality chicken for the best flavor.
Ingredients for the Crispy Country Fried Chicken Like Grandma Made
- Chicken pieces – The star of the recipe; choose bone-in for juiciness or boneless for faster cooking.
- Buttermilk – Essential for tenderizing and adding tangy richness to the chicken.
- All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crispy coating.
- Cornstarch – Enhances crunch and keeps the breading light.
- Eggs – Help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Garlic and onion powder – Add depth and savory flavor.
- Paprika – Gives a mild smoky sweetness and golden color.
- Salt and black pepper – Balance the seasoning.
- Cooking oil (peanut or vegetable oil) – For frying to a crispy perfection.
How To Make the Crispy Country Fried Chicken Like Grandma Made
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken in Buttermilk
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize the meat and infuse flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Coating
In a shallow dish, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine thoroughly for even seasoning.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dip each piece into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to form a thick, crunchy crust. For extra crunch, double-dip by briefly returning the chicken to the buttermilk and coating it again in the flour mixture.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour peanut or vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven, filling it about halfway. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is key to a crispy, golden crust without making the chicken greasy.
Step 5: Fry to Perfection
Fry chicken in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook 10-12 minutes for bone-in pieces or 6-8 minutes for boneless, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Drain and Rest
Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to settle and the crust to crisp further.
Serving and Storing Crispy Country Fried Chicken
Serve your crispy country fried chicken hot and fresh for the best crunch. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or fresh biscuits for a comforting Southern-style meal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep the crust crispy.
What to Serve With Crispy Country Fried Chicken?
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Rich and buttery mashed potatoes complement the crispy chicken perfectly.
2. Coleslaw
A tangy, refreshing coleslaw balances the richness of fried chicken.
3. Buttery Biscuits
Flaky biscuits are perfect for soaking up any juices or gravy.
4. Cornbread
Sweet, crumbly cornbread adds a delightful Southern touch.
5. Green Beans with Garlic Butter
A lighter, veggie-packed side dish to round out the meal.
6. Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy pasta makes this a true comfort-food feast.
7. Fresh Garden Salad
A crisp salad adds freshness and helps balance the meal.
8. Honey Butter Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn with honey butter gives a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with fried chicken.
Want More Comfort Food Ideas?
If you love this Crispy Country Fried Chicken, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
- Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes for a cheesy, comforting side.
- Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce when you want something bold and flavorful.
- Parmesan Baked Potatoes for a crispy, golden side dish.
- Cheeseburger Soup if you’re craving a hearty and creamy soup.
- Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gravy for another comfort classic with tender chicken.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe added extra spices or swapped the oil? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
Crispy Country Fried Chicken Like Grandma Made
Equipment
- Deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Wire rack
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups peanut or vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Place chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag and cover with buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and let excess drip off. Dip chicken into flour mixture, pressing coating firmly. For extra crunch, double-dip by returning to buttermilk and coating again in flour.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 10-12 minutes (bone-in) or 6-8 minutes (boneless) until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.