This recipe for crispy fried chicken without buttermilk features tender, organic chicken parts coated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, then perfectly fried to a golden-brown crunch. The result is a deliciously satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
2lborganic chicken partsthighs, legs, breasts, or wings
3 - 4large organic eggswhisked
2cupsorganic all-purpose flour
3teaspoonssaltdivided
1teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
½teaspoonorganic cayenne pepper
2teaspoonsorganic ground paprika
1teaspoonorganic dried thyme
½teaspoonorganic dried rosemary
1teaspoonorganic onion powder
2 - 3inchesof vegetable oilsuch as avocado oil
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Instructions
Prepare chicken dredging stations:
Rinse the chicken parts and place them into a large bowl with 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix to combine.
Set up the chicken dredging stations:
Whisk the eggs in a shallow baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients: flour, 2 teaspoons salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and onion powder. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
Set up two sheet pans with wire racks - one for the raw battered chicken and one for the cooked chicken.
Dredge the chicken:
Using a pair of tongs or your hands, coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture.
Then, dip the coated chicken into the whisked eggs, ensuring it's completely coated.
Transfer the chicken back to the flour mixture and coat it again, shaking off any excess flour.
Place the coated chicken onto the wire rack on the sheet pan.
Fry the chicken:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet until it's hot, then add 2 - 3 inches of vegetable oil (e.g., avocado oil).
Optionally, you can add a carrot to test the oil's temperature. When the carrot sizzles and the oil is hot, it's ready for frying.
Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil away from you to avoid splattering.
Fry the chicken for about 5 minutes per side or until the crust is nicely golden brown.
Drain the fried chicken:
Using a slotted spoon or fork, transfer the cooked chicken to the wire rack on the sheet pan to drain any excess oil.
Repeat the frying process with the rest of the chicken pieces.
Serve and enjoy!
Once all the chicken is cooked and drained, serve your delicious homemade fried chicken.
Remember to exercise caution when frying to prevent any accidents. Enjoy your homemade fried chicken without buttermilk!
Notes
Prep Stations: Set up your chicken dredging stations with separate bowls for flour, eggs, and seasoned chicken. This makes the process easier and less messy.
Season the Chicken: Before dredging, season the chicken with salt to enhance its flavor.
Thorough Coating: Ensure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the flour mixture and egg wash for a crispy and flavorful crust.
Wire Racks: Use wire racks on sheet pans to let the fried chicken drain excess oil and maintain its crispiness.
Oil Temperature: Preheat the oil properly to avoid greasy chicken. Test the temperature by adding a small piece of carrot; it should sizzle immediately.
Frying in Batches: Fry chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Cooking Time: Fry the chicken until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Safety Precautions: Be cautious when frying to avoid oil splatters. Use tongs or a fork to handle the chicken and keep a lid nearby in case of flare-ups.
Doneness: Check the chicken's doneness by cutting into a thicker piece to ensure it's cooked through and no longer pink.
Drain Excess Oil: Let the fried chicken rest on the wire rack for a few minutes to drain any excess oil before serving.
Garnish: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added visual appeal.
Serving: Fried chicken is best served immediately while still crispy and hot.