14 Fried Chicken Recipes That Hit the Crunch
Fried chicken doesn’t just live in a deep fryer anymore. This list rounds up different takes on that crave-worthy crisp, from air fryer and oven methods to bold flavor twists like Indian-style pakora, ramen crusts, and even goat cheese–stuffed versions. Whether you’re looking for juicy buttermilk classics, handheld chicken tacos, or a sandwich that packs crunch and heat, there’s something here for every fried chicken mood, crispy, golden, and full of flavor.
The Best Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
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Crispy chicken fillets stack into soft buns with pickles, slaw, and sauce. The sandwich delivers texture, heat, and juicy meat in every bite. Great to prep ahead and reheat in the oven. A reliable crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: The Best Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Fried Chicken Tacos
Crispy fried chicken tucked into soft tortillas with slaw, sauce, or pickles. It’s messy, crunchy, and hits every flavor note. A fresh way to serve fried chicken without the full meal format.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Tacos
Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks
These drumsticks get a seasoned breadcrumb coating and bake until crispy on the outside and tender inside. No flipping, no splatter. Good for batch cooking and easy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Marinating in buttermilk breaks down the meat for juicy, flavorful chicken, then it’s dredged and fried until crispy and golden. The classic that never lets you down. Perfect hot or cold.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Ramen Fried Chicken
This twist uses crushed ramen noodles as a crispy coating, giving extra crunch and fun texture. The noodles brown beautifully and stay crisp. It’s bold, a little offbeat, and surprisingly good. Great for sliders or dipping.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Fried Chicken
KFC Fried Chicken
A copycat recipe that recreates the iconic fast food flavor with a mix of spices and a crunchy double coat. The chicken is juicy, salty, and deeply seasoned. Serve with classic sides or straight from the tray. Nostalgic and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
This method delivers all the crunch of traditional fried chicken using just the air fryer. It’s faster, less messy, and the texture still hits. Use drumsticks, thighs, or boneless pieces. Great for when you want crispy without oil.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Goat Cheese Fried Chicken with Cherry Sauce
This bold twist stuffs chicken with creamy goat cheese, coats it in breadcrumbs, and fries it until crisp. A sweet cherry sauce adds contrast. Fancy enough for dinner guests, easy enough to make midweek.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Fried Chicken with Cherry Sauce
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Chicken soaks in buttermilk for tenderness, then crisps up in the air fryer without any oil splatter. The coating turns golden and crackly while the inside stays juicy. Easy to make and even easier to clean up. Serve with hot sauce or honey.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Oven Fried Chicken
Baking replaces frying in this version, but you still get a crunchy crust thanks to high heat and seasoned crumbs. The chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. Less oil, less cleanup. A weeknight staple.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken
Chicken pakora – indian fried chicken
Small chicken pieces marinate in spices, get coated in a chickpea flour batter, and fry until golden and crisp. The flavor is deep and slightly spicy, with a different kind of crunch. Serve with chutneys or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Chicken pakora – indian fried chicken
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
Crispy chicken pieces get tossed in a sticky, spicy Korean-inspired glaze. The air fryer gives them a light crunch, and the sauce brings heat and sweetness. Serve with rice or pickled vegetables. Big flavor, no deep frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
Grannys Fried Chicken
Old-school and made to be eaten hot from the skillet, this recipe focuses on simple seasoning, a well-seasoned pan, and perfect crunch. It’s all about getting the texture and flavor right. A no-shortcuts kind of dish.
Get the Recipe: Grannys Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
Classic Southern spices meet air fryer convenience in this crispy, golden take. The breading has that signature crunch without the grease. Good with coleslaw, cornbread, or just as-is. Comfort food made modern.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
