Super crunchy spicy fried chicken is a bold, flavor-packed classic that never fails to impress. Featuring golden, crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, this version kicks things up a notch with a spiced buttermilk marinade and a fiery flour coating. Served hot with fries or your favorite sides, it’s the ultimate comfort food for fried chicken lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fried chicken recipe delivers on every level — it’s crunchy, juicy, spicy, and full of rich, savory flavor. Marinating in buttermilk and hot sauce tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with heat, while the seasoned flour mixture creates a shatteringly crisp crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, game days, or any occasion that calls for something indulgent and satisfying. Best of all, it’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients

4 bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breast)
2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk with hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
In another bowl, combine the flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 10–12 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve hot with crispy fries and your preferred dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)

Variations

Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder to the flour mixture for additional heat.
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
Boneless Version: Use boneless chicken thighs or tenders for faster frying and easier eating.
Oven-Fried Option: Coat chicken in flour and spray with oil, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.
Southern-Style Twist: Add a pinch of ground thyme and white pepper to the flour for a more traditional Southern flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, place the chicken on a baking rack in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the crust.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear when pierced.

Can I fry different cuts of chicken?

Yes, use any bone-in or boneless chicken parts, adjusting cooking time as needed based on thickness.

What is the purpose of the baking powder?

Baking powder helps create a lighter, crispier crust by enhancing the flour’s ability to brown and crisp during frying.

Can I skip the marinating time?

Marinating is highly recommended for both flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes.

Why is my chicken not crispy?

Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F) and avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the temperature and causes sogginess.

What oil is best for frying chicken?

Use oils with a high smoke point such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil.

Can I reuse the frying oil?

Yes, strain and store the oil in a clean container once cooled. Reuse it for similar recipes, ideally no more than 2–3 times.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight marination yields the best results in flavor and texture.

Can I add herbs to the coating?

Absolutely. Dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary can be added to the flour for added flavor complexity.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, it uses all-purpose flour. Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

Super crunchy spicy fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food with its crispy coating, juicy interior, and bold seasoning. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe brings the heat and flavor with every bite. Whether served with fries, slaw, or dipping sauces, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a homemade fried favorite that rivals any restaurant version.

Super Crunchy Spicy Fried Chicken

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Super Crunchy Spicy Fried Chicken delivers bold flavor and irresistible crunch with every bite. Marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, then coated in a seasoned flour mix, it’s deep-fried to golden perfection. Serve with fries and your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Instructions

In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight preferred).
In a separate bowl, combine flour, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Fry chicken in batches for 10–12 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Serve hot with fries and dipping sauce.

Notes

or extra crunch, double-dip the chicken: back into the buttermilk and then the flour again.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper internal temperature.
Pairs perfectly with coleslaw, pickles, or hot honey drizzle.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Dish
Method: Deep-Frying
Cuisine: Southern, American