13 Fried Chicken Recipes That Will you Keep You Coming Back For More.
Fried chicken shows up in a lot of formats, but the core elements stay the same: a well-seasoned crust, meat that stays juicy, and a finish that doesn’t fall apart. Some recipes build their base with a buttermilk soak, while others go all in on dry seasonings or thick dredges. The cooking method doesn’t have to be deep-frying either; you can use an air fryer, the oven, or even a crock pot with the right technique. Some go handheld, stacked in a sandwich or tucked into a taco, while others stick to bone-in pieces built to crack when you bite in. You’ll find versions here that use ramen, goat cheese, Korean sauce, and familiar chain-restaurant flavors. What they all have in common is a strong structure and a finish that holds up.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
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Soaking the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize it while adding a slight tang to the meat. The seasoned flour coating sticks well and crisps up during frying. The result is golden, crunchy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. Each piece finishes strong without needing extra sauce.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Southern Fried Chicken
This classic take uses bone-in chicken pieces coated in a seasoned flour mix and deep-fried until golden. The crust is thick and crackles when you bite through it. The inside stays moist from the brining or soaking. It’s all about big flavor and big texture.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken
After a buttermilk soak, chicken is dredged and cooked in an air fryer to get a crisp exterior without deep oil. The skin browns evenly and holds its shape. The coating stays attached and the meat cooks through without drying out. You get full crunch with less mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Drumsticks are coated in flour or breadcrumbs and baked until the exterior crisps up. The oven method delivers steady heat while keeping the meat inside juicy. The crust develops color and bite without frying. It’s a clean finish that doesn’t fall apart.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Ramen Fried Chicken
Crushed ramen noodles or seasoning mixes coat the chicken before frying, giving the crust extra texture. The coating stays thick and crisps hard, offering something a little different in each bite. The meat stays tender underneath. It’s a bold twist that still delivers.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Fried Chicken
Oven Fried Chicken
This method relies on high heat and a solid coating to mimic the feel of fried chicken without a fryer. The crust forms from breadcrumbs, flour, or a panko mix. It holds tight to the chicken and turns golden in the oven. The inside stays soft while the outside crunches.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken
Goat Cheese Fried Chicken with Cherry Sauce
Crisp fried chicken is topped with tangy goat cheese and a lightly sweet cherry sauce. The textures contrast with each other without overpowering the crust. The cheese melts slightly, and the sauce adds sharpness. This one finishes with clean layers and real balance.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Fried Chicken with Cherry Sauce
KFC Fried Chicken
This version goes after the classic chain’s formula, crisp skin, bold seasoning, and tender meat. The crust is packed with herbs and spice blends. The meat holds up under pressure and stays juicy after frying. Each piece finishes with familiar crunch and flavor.
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
A Southern-style seasoning mix coats the chicken before it hits the air fryer. The coating crisps evenly while the meat inside stays moist. You get the structure of a deep-fry without the heavy oil. The finish is golden, crunchy, and solid.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
Fried Chicken Tacos
Crispy chicken pieces are folded into warm tortillas and topped with slaw, sauces, or pickled toppings. The chicken holds up inside the taco and keeps its crunch. The fillings add contrast and heat. It’s sharp, handheld, and layered.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Tacos
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Boneless or bone-in pieces are seasoned, coated, and cooked in the air fryer until the crust sets. The result is light, crisp, and well-structured. The meat stays juicy without needing a deep soak. The finish is quick and clean.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
Pieces are air-fried until crisp, then tossed in a sticky sweet and spicy sauce that clings to the surface. The double-cooking effect gives the skin an edge. The sauce doesn’t soften the crunch too much. Every bite stays balanced.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
The Best Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
A crisp chicken cutlet is layered in a bun with sauce, pickles, and maybe lettuce or slaw. The meat stays hot and crunchy under the toppings. The sandwich structure keeps things tight without getting soggy. Every part works with the others for a strong finish.
Get the Recipe: The Best Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
