17 Fried Chicken Recipes
Do you ever find yourself staring at your fridge wondering what to make?
Me too! These fried chicken recipes are your solution – easy, delicious ideas to take the stress out of meal planning and bring crispy, flavorful goodness to your table.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes:
- Mealtime Inspiration: No more blank stares at the fridge!
- Stress-Free Cooking: Delicious meals even on your busiest days.
- Global Flavors: Explore exciting fried chicken dishes from around the world.
- Flavorful & Satisfying: Wholesome and tasty dishes the whole family will love.
- Quick & Easy Options: Recipes to fit your schedule, not the other way around.
So Let’s Dive Right In.
17 Delicious Fried Chicken Recipes You”ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Chicken Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken Bites)
These little bites of chicken are seriously addictive! I love their crispy coating, the juicy chicken, and the savory, slightly tangy flavor. They’re perfect for snacking or as part of a fun Asian-inspired meal.
- Pros: Crispy & flavorful, easy to make, fun to eat, perfect for sharing.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Try boneless chicken thighs for an extra juicy result.
- Cooking Tip: Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan for the crispiest result.
- Customization Ideas: Serve with a Japanese mayo dipping sauce, pickled vegetables, or a simple salad.
- Asian Touch: Use mirin (sweet rice wine) and soy sauce in the marinade for a classic Japanese flavor.
Chicken Francese
Get ready for a flavor explosion! This chicken is all about the spicy kick balanced perfectly with a hint of sweetness. It’s the perfect mix of fiery and delicious, with an incredibly crispy coating.
- Pros: Addictive flavor, crispy & juicy, easy to customize spice level, crowd-pleaser.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use boneless chicken or adjust the cayenne for your desired heat.
- Cooking Tip: Fry in hot oil for a super crispy exterior, and let it rest before slicing.
- Customization Ideas: Serve on a bun with slaw and pickles, or make it a Nashville Hot Chicken salad.
- Southern Twist: Make your own hot sauce with a variety of chilies and a touch of brown sugar.
Korean Fried Chicken
This chicken is double-fried goodness! I love the incredibly crispy, sweet, and spicy glazed coating. It’s sticky, delicious, and finger-lickin’ good!
- Pros: Ultra-crispy, sweet & spicy, fun to eat, unique flavor experience.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use boneless chicken for convenience.
- Cooking Tip: Double fry for maximum crunch, and toss the chicken in the sauce while it’s still hot.
- Customization Ideas: Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions, and serve with Korean-style pickled radish.
- Korean Touch: Use gochujang (Korean chili paste) and gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for the classic flavor.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
This is comfort food at its best! I love the juicy chicken, the super crispy, craggy coating, and the savory flavor. It’s perfect with mashed potatoes, gravy, and all your favorite sides for a classic meal.
- Pros: Juicy & flavorful, crispy perfection, classic American comfort food, crowd-pleaser.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Cooking Tip: Marinate in buttermilk overnight for the ultimate tender chicken.
- Customization Ideas: Make spicy fried chicken tenders by adding hot sauce to the buttermilk.
- Southern Twist: Use a seasoned flour mixture with your favorite spices like paprika or garlic powder.
Parmesan Crusted Fried Chicken
This chicken has an irresistible flavor and crunch! I love the savory parmesan coating, the tender chicken, and how easy it is to make. It’s a perfect option when you want crispy, flavorful chicken and a touch of elegance.
- Pros: Crispy & cheesy, flavorful & satisfying, simple & elegant, easy to make.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use chicken breasts or thighs.
- Cooking Tip: Dredge the chicken in both flour and an egg wash before the parmesan coating.
- Customization Ideas: Add your favorite herbs or spices to the parmesan mixture.
- Italian Touch: Serve with a simple tomato sauce or a squeeze of lemon and a side of pasta.
Honey Garlic Fried Chicken
This chicken is a sweet and savory delight. I love the sticky, garlicky glaze on the crispy chicken. It’s such a flavorful and satisfying dish, and the perfect combination of sweet and salty.
- Pros: Sweet & savory, sticky & delicious, crowd-pleaser, easy to make.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use boneless chicken or adjust the sweetness of the sauce.
- Cooking Tip: Cook the sauce down in the pan until it thickens and coats the chicken.
- Customization Ideas: Garnish with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of red chili flakes.
- Asian Touch: Add ginger to the sauce and serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken Wings
These wings are bursting with zesty flavor! I love the simple lemon and pepper seasoning on the crispy chicken wings. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun and easy snack.
- Pros: Zesty & flavorful, crispy & satisfying, great for sharing, easy to make.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use a different part of the chicken if you prefer.
- Cooking Tip: Bake or air-fry the wings for a healthier option.
- Customization Ideas: Serve with ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Classic Touch: Use a simple mixture of lemon juice, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt.
Coconut Fried Chicken
This chicken is a tropical flavor explosion! I love the crispy coconut coating, the juicy chicken, and the sweet and tangy chutney. It’s a unique and delicious twist on classic fried chicken, perfect for an island getaway in your own kitchen.
- Pros: Tropical & flavorful, crispy & satisfying, unique & delicious, perfect with mango chutney.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use boneless chicken or experiment with different dipping sauces.
- Cooking Tip: Fry the chicken in coconut oil to enhance the flavor.
- Customization Ideas: Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or a simple salad.
- Indian Twist: Add spices like turmeric and curry powder to the coating for an extra flavor boost.
Indian Fried Chicken Salad
This salad is a colorful and delicious way to enjoy fried chicken! I love the mix of fresh greens, crispy chicken, and a tangy, Indian-inspired dressing. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
- Pros: Healthy & satisfying, flavorful & refreshing, great for leftover fried chicken, easy to customize.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use grilled or roasted chicken for a healthier option.
- Cooking Tip: Cut the fried chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Customization Ideas: Add chopped vegetables, dried fruit, nuts, or crumbled cheese.
- Indian Touch: Use a yogurt-based dressing with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a squeeze of lemon.
Gluten-Free Fried Chicken
This chicken is just as crispy and delicious as traditional fried chicken! I love how the gluten-free coating gives the chicken an amazing crunch. It’s perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities and proves allergy-friendly food can be just as satisfying.
- Pros: Crispy & delicious, crowd-pleaser, allergy-friendly, easy to make.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use your favorite gluten-free flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Cooking Tip: Fry the chicken in batches to keep the oil temperature hot.
- Customization Ideas: Season the coating with your favorite spices – it works with any flavor profile.
- Health-Conscious: Try using an air fryer or baking the chicken for a lower-calorie option.
Sriracha Honey Fried Chicken
This chicken has a fantastic sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor. I love the addictive Sriracha lime sauce tossed with crispy chicken. It’s great as a main dish or served with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Pros: Sweet, spicy, & tangy, customizable heat level, easy to make, crowd-pleaser.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Adjust the Sriracha level for your liking.
- Cooking Tip: Cook the sauce down until slightly thickened.
- Customization Ideas: Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts.
- Asian Twist: Add crushed garlic and a dash of soy sauce to the sauce.
Fried Chicken and Waffles
This classic Southern dish is the ultimate mix of sweet and savory! I love the crispy fried chicken, the fluffy waffles, and the rich maple syrup. It’s a comforting and delicious meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner!
- Pros: Sweet & savory, comforting and delicious, unique flavor combination, perfect for sharing.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute boneless fried chicken if desired.
- Cooking Tip: Make sure your waffles are hot and crispy before serving.
- Customization Ideas: Add a sprinkle of hot sauce to the chicken, or some powdered sugar to the waffles.
- Southern Twist: Serve with a side of collard greens or mac and cheese for the full experience!
Fried Chicken Sandwich with Spicy Mayo
This sandwich is a flavor bomb! I love the crispy fried chicken, the spicy mayo, and the soft bun. It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors, and so satisfying.
- Pros: Flavorful & satisfying, customizable heat level, easy to assemble, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use your favorite type of bun, or try grilled chicken for a lighter option.
- Cooking Tip: Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.
- Customization Ideas: Add lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, or your favorite toppings.
- Spicy Twist: Use chipotle mayo or drizzle sriracha sauce for extra heat.
Popcorn Chicken with Dipping Sauces
This bite-sized chicken is so addictive! I love the crunchy popcorn chicken and the variety of dipping sauces. It’s perfect for parties, game-day snacks, or a fun and interactive meal.
- Pros: Crispy & addictive, fun to eat, great for sharing, customizable sauces.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use chicken tenders cut into small pieces.
- Cooking Tip: Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
- Customization Ideas: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or hot sauce.
- Kid-Friendly: This is a great way to introduce kids to various flavors!
Indian Fried Chicken Pakoras
This dish takes classic fried chicken to a whole new level!
I love the succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a tangy yogurt mixture with Indian spices for a unique twist. I love relying on the addition of refreshing Greek yogurt which brings a delightful cooling balance to this dish.
- Pros: Healthy twist on fried chicken, flavorful & juicy, customizable spice level, easy to make.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt if needed.
- Cooking Tip: Marinate the chicken for deeper flavor. Grill, pan-fry, or bake it for different textures.
- Customization Ideas: Serve with chutneys, raita (yogurt-based dip), or a simple salad.
- Indian-Mediterranean Fusion: Combine the Indian marinade flavors with the coolness of Greek yogurt for a vibrant culinary experience.
Chicken Piccata (Fried Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce)
This Italian classic is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish. I love the crispy chicken with the tangy lemon caper sauce. It’s a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner that feels a bit special.
- Pros: Elegant & flavorful, tangy & satisfying, easy to make, classic Italian.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use boneless chicken for convenience.
- Cooking Tip: Deglaze the pan with white wine after cooking the chicken for added depth.
- Customization Ideas: Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Italian Touch: Add fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon just before serving.
Fried Chicken Salad
This salad is a healthier way to enjoy the flavors of fried chicken! I love the combination of crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy honey mustard dressing. It’s a light and refreshing salad perfect for lunch or a lighter dinner option.
- Pros: Healthy & satisfying, flavorful & refreshing, great for leftover fried chicken, easy to customize.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use grilled or baked chicken for an even lighter version.
- Cooking Tip: Cut the fried chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Customization Ideas: Add your favorite vegetables, dried fruit, nuts, or crumbled cheese.
- Flavor Boost: Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the salad, or add a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Conclusion
There you have it! A whole collection of amazing fried chicken recipes to bring major flavor to your kitchen.
From crispy classics to exciting global flavors, and even healthy twists, there’s something for everyone. If you love these ideas, be sure to save this article so you can try them all!
Think you know someone else who would love trying these delicious recipes? Share this article with them and spread the fried chicken love!
Finally, let me know – which of these recipes made your mouth water the most? Are there any other fried chicken variations you’d love to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below!