Fried chicken is a classic comfort food, but when you infuse it with garlic and a crispy golden crust, it reaches a whole new level of deliciousness. Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken is the perfect balance of crunch, juiciness, and rich garlicky flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is bound to impress.
What is Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken?
Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken is a flavorful twist on traditional fried chicken. It is made by marinating chicken in a garlic-infused buttermilk mixture, coating it in a crispy, well-seasoned breading, and frying it until golden brown. The final touch? A drizzle of garlic butter that takes the flavor to another level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crispy Perfection: A crunchy, golden-brown coating that locks in moisture.
✔ Bold Garlic Flavor: Garlic is infused in every step for a robust taste.
✔ Juicy & Tender: Marinated in buttermilk for extra tenderness.
✔ Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, easy technique, and foolproof results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Breading:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Frying:
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For the Garlic Butter Drizzle:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Prepare the Breading
In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This mixture creates a crispy and flavorful crust.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat evenly.
- Set aside on a wire rack for 10 minutes to allow the coating to adhere.
4. Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Drizzle
- Melt butter in a small pan over low heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Drizzle the warm garlic butter over the fried chicken and serve immediately. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread for a complete meal!
Pro Tips for the Crispiest Fried Chicken
✔ Use Cornstarch: It creates a lighter and crispier coating.
✔ Double Dredge: For extra crunch, dip the chicken in the flour mixture, then back into buttermilk, and again in flour.
✔ Fry in Batches: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken.
✔ Let It Rest: After breading, allow the chicken to sit for 10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick better.
✔ Use a Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, aim for an internal temp of 165°F.
Variations & Add-Ons
🔥 Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to the marinade.
🧄 Extra Garlic Flavor: Roast garlic and mix it into the butter drizzle.
🧀 Parmesan Garlic Chicken: Sprinkle grated parmesan on top before serving.
🍗 Oven-Baked Version: Bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes for a healthier twist.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work great. Adjust frying time to about 4-5 minutes per side.
What oil is best for frying chicken?
Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Spray with oil and air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
What sides go well with Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, coleslaw, biscuits, or honey butter cornbread complement it perfectly.
Can I freeze the fried chicken?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor, crispiness, and juiciness. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and let the bold garlic flavors win you over!
If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family!
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