17 Fried Chicken Recipes That Always Come Out Crispy and Juicy

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Few things are as satisfying as perfectly fried chicken — golden, crunchy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside. This roundup of 17 fried chicken recipes has all the classics plus some fun new twists. Think buttermilk fried chicken, crispy cutlets, and Nashville hot chicken right alongside katsu curry, orange chicken, and sheet pan Korean popcorn chicken. You’ll also find sandwiches stacked high with spicy breaded chicken, fried jalapeños, and even pickle-brined chicken. Whether you’re after takeout-inspired flavor or old-fashioned comfort, these recipes guarantee crispy, crave-worthy results.

KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

Close-up of crispy fried chicken drumsticks with a side of creamy mashed potatoes sprinkled with herbs. A small bowl of brown gravy is in the background on a white plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving that legendary KFC crunch without leaving home? Get ready to recreate the magic with this homemade Kentucky-style fried chicken, featuring the Colonel’s secret blend of 11 herbs and spices!

Get The Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken Recipe (the leaked recipe)

Crispy Breaded Chicken Cutlets

These Crispy Breaded Chicken Cutlets are a guaranteed family favorite! The chicken is coated in a mix of seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Panko for an extra crispy, golden crust that’s sure to please. Serve with a squeeze of lemon for a perfect weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Breaded Chicken Cutlets

Katsu Curry

Craving Japanese takeout? This Katsu Curry recipe features a crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlet served with a rich and flavorful curry sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Katsu Curry

Easy Oven Fried Chicken

Craving crispy fried chicken without the mess? This Easy Oven Fried Chicken recipe delivers a delicious, crunchy coating using a simple oven-baked method. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner or your next game day gathering!
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Fried Chicken

Panko Chicken

This Panko Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Thinly sliced chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful mixture of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs, creating a crispy and golden-brown crust that everyone will love. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a family-friendly dinner or game-day gathering.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken

Classic Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan with pasta on a plate — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Classic Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers golden, crispy chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and melty mozzarella. It’s an easy-to-make Italian favorite that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. Serve with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dish!
Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken Parmesan

Healthy Fried Chicken

Fried chicken on a board — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Craving fried chicken but trying to keep it healthy? This recipe for Easy Oven Fried Chicken delivers a crispy, delicious coating without the added fat of deep frying. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Fried Chicken

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A basket filled with crispy fried chicken pieces, reminiscent of the finest chicken cutlet recipes, and golden French fries on patterned paper. — Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Craving the ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken? This recipe doesn’t just compete—it dominates. Think juicy, flavor-packed meat thanks to a tangy buttermilk marinade, wrapped in a golden, perfectly spiced crust that shatters with every bite. This isn’t just fried chicken; it’s the fried chicken that leaves all the others in the dust.

Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Sheet Pan Korean Popcorn Chicken.

This Sheet Pan Korean Popcorn Chicken recipe is a healthier and easier take on Korean-style fried chicken. It’s made with simple ingredients and is perfect for a weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy. Serve with spicy mayo, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped green onions for a complete and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Korean Popcorn Chicken.

Fried Chicken Gizzards Recipe

Fried chicken gizzards on a plate with hot sauce in a bowl and blue and white napkin in the white background. — Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

These Fried Chicken Gizzards are a Southern classic that’s perfect as an appetizer or main course! Marinated in a spicy buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, then dredged in seasoned flour and fried until golden brown, these gizzards are bursting with flavor. Get ready for a crispy, savory treat that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Gizzards Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken

Looking for a chicken recipe that brings the heat and the sweet? This Hot Honey Chicken features crispy chicken tenderloins coated in a delicious, sweet and spicy honey glaze that will leave you wanting more. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

These air fryer chicken nuggets are crispy, tender, and healthier than the traditional fried version. Ready in under 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients, they’re perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the whole family will enjoy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Chinese Orange Chicken

Skip the takeout and make this delicious orange chicken at home! This recipe features tender, homemade fried chicken coated in a vibrant orange sauce that’s bursting with fresh flavor. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality dish that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Orange Chicken

Nashville Hot Chicken (Spicy Fried Chicken)

hand grabbing piece of nashville hot chicken from pile on white plate — Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

This Nashville Hot Chicken recipe delivers juicy, crispy, and flavorful fried chicken with customizable spice levels. The secret lies in the spice rub and buttermilk marinade, ensuring tender and delicious results. Get ready to enjoy a homemade version of this popular spicy treat!
Get the Recipe: Nashville Hot Chicken (Spicy Fried Chicken)

Spicy Breaded Fried Chicken Sandwich

two spicy fried chicken sandwiches on a wooden surface with a bottle of beer and a glass — Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

Spice up your lunch or dinner with this easy-to-make Spicy Breaded Fried Chicken Sandwich! This recipe delivers a flavorful kick with a homemade spicy mayo and perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken. Perfect for game day or a quick weeknight meal!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Breaded Fried Chicken Sandwich

Southwest Fried Chicken Sandwich with Fried Jalapenos

close-up of southwest fried chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and fried jalapenos — Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This Southwest Fried Chicken Sandwich with Fried Jalapenos is a flavor explosion! Crispy buttermilk fried chicken is topped with a zesty chipotle cilantro lime ranch, fresh veggies, and fried jalapenos for a spicy kick. This sandwich is sure to be a game-day favorite.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Fried Chicken Sandwich with Fried Jalapenos

Pickle Brined Fried Chicken Sandwich

A hand holding a crispy fried chicken sandwich with lettuce and creamy white sauce on a shiny, golden bun, against a plain white background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Forget everything you thought you knew about fried chicken sandwiches. This isn’t just any sandwich; this is a pickle-brined masterpiece! Each bite delivers an explosion of tangy, juicy, crispy perfection that will have you hooked from the first crunch. Prepare for your new obsession.

Get The Recipe: Pickle Brined Fried Chicken Sandwich