Extra Crispy Fried Chicken
Extra crispy fried chicken features tender chicken breast strips coated in a seasoned flour and buttermilk batter, then deep fried to golden perfection. Perfect for comfort food lovers, it offers a crunchy exterior and juicy interior, ideal for casual dinners, parties, or weekend treats with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Salt and lemon pepper the chicken breast strips.
- Pour the buttermilk over the seasoned chicken.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour to marinate.
- Pour off excess buttermilk and dip the chicken into self-rising flour until fully covered.
- Deep fry the coated chicken until golden brown, cooking on medium heat to prevent burning and ensure thorough cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying to allow the flour to adhere better. You can substitute the self-rising flour with all-purpose flour and add baking powder and salt to mimic the same effect. Ensure your oil is hot enough (about 350°F) to avoid greasy chicken. Consider marinating overnight for enhanced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your extra crispy fried chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Spinach-Broccoli Soup for a delicious contrast. Consider adding a dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven preheated to 375°F for 10-15 minutes, which will help restore the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Extra Crispy Fried Chicken contains roughly 300 calories, with 10g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 605mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast strips?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and can add more flavor and moisture to your fried chicken. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What oil is best for frying chicken?
Peanut oil is often recommended for frying chicken due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. However, vegetable oil or canola oil can also work well if you prefer a different option.
How can I make the chicken less greasy?
To reduce greasiness, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Fry in smaller batches to maintain oil temperature and avoid overcrowding, which can cause the temperature to drop and result in greasy chicken.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).