Extra Crispy Fried Chicken (With Cornstarch For The Best Crunch)

There's nothing better than crispy fried chicken. And the secret ingredient to the crispiest fried chicken ever is cornstarch! It gives the breading an extra crispy and crunchy texture that's just downright addicting - atleast I think it is. Needless to say, this fried chicken recipe has quickly become one of my go-to favorites, and with just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, it's the perfect family meal to make we're in a pinch for time!

Why This Is The Best Fried Chicken Recipe Ever

I've been making different fried chicken recipes for quite some time, like this crispy fried chicken breast, these fried chicken legs, and these Southern fried chicken and waffles that I have on my other blog.

So I've experimented with basically every ingredient you could imagine to try and discover the crispiest fried chicken. Different oils, different flours, you name it!

Out of all my fried chicken experimentations, this recipe that uses an equal ratio of cornstarch and flour gives the fried chicken breading the most irresistible crunch ever. It's seriously so crispy and crunchy, and the chicken on the inside stays super juicy and flavorful. It's just perfect! I have no doubt you'll love this recipe as much as I do! 

Ingredients For Crispy Fried Chicken 

• 4-6 chicken drumsticks or legs - skinless chicken works best.
• 1 cup buttermilk - another secret to cooking ultra-crispy chicken.
• Salt and black pepper - a pinch of each to taste.
• Herbs and spices - 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs.
• Flour mixture - ½ cup cornstarch, ½ cup flour.
• Vegetable oil - for frying chicken. Vegetable oil is one of the best oils for deep frying because it has a high smoke point.

How To Make Fried Chicken With Cornstarch

Step 1: Prep work

Start by adding buttermilk, hot sauce, half the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste in a large mixing bowl or shallow dish. Next, combine the flour, cornstarch, and all the remaining spices in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Dipping the chicken

Dip chicken pieces into the buttermilk and then into the cornstarch mixture. Repeat so that all the chicken pieces are completely coated.

Step 3: Frying the chicken

Place the chicken on a wire baking rack and heat 2 inches of oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in the hot oil for 20 minutes or until cooked perfectly. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Serving

Remove from the oil and place the fried chicken back onto the wire rack to rest for 5 minutes. This rest time will make sure the coating sticks for that ultra crunch! Once the chicken has rested, serve with your favorite sauces for a super delicious snack or with some classic sides for an amazing meal.

Expert Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Double-coated chicken is going to give you the crunchiest, crispy fried chicken, so make sure you dip your chicken pieces twice before you cook them.
• Make sure you use enough oil for frying and don't overcrowd your skillet, as this will make the oil temperature drop. If you are using a small skillet, then frying your chicken in small batches will ensure you get the perfect crispy coating.
• You will know the fried chicken is fully cooked when the coating is beautifully crispy and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
• The best recipes are always adaptable, and this is a really good recipe for experimenting with different herbs and spices. Try garlic salt, white pepper, soy sauce, and cayenne pepper to give your fried chicken new flavor profiles. There are no wrong answers here! 

How To Store Fried Chicken

This fried chicken is best straight after frying, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze any leftover chicken for up to 4 months. Allow the chicken to cool, and then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag.

How To Reheat Fried Chicken

Honestly, chicken is delicious when cold, too, but if you want to reheat it, take it out of the fridge and leave it to warm up at room temperature for five to ten minutes. Then, put it in the oven for around 8 minutes at 400°F - until it's hot.

Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe FAQS

Can I cook the chicken in a deep fryer instead?

Yes, you can fry your chicken in a deep fryer, dutch oven, or a skillet. Just make sure the oil is hot, you use enough oil to cover the chicken, and that you don't overcrowd the fryer.

What is the best flour to use for this recipe?

All purpose flour is the best for combining with cornstarch to create that crispy coating you're looking for. For the best results, a 50/50 mix is perfect!

More Chicken Recipes To Try Next

• Chicken Eggplant Parmesan
• Mustard Fried Chicken
• Pan Seared Chicken Tenders
• Chicken Risotto
• Breaded chicken wings
• Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlets
• Homemade Chicken Nuggets
• Copycat Chick-Fil-A Cobb Salad
• Creamy chicken and chorizo pasta