Name: Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts); 4 cloves garlic (for marinade); 1 ½ cups buttermilk; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tsp paprika (optional, for a kick); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice); Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or canola); 2 cloves garlic (for infusing in oil); Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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Looking for a fried chicken recipe that’s bursting with flavor and crispy goodness? This Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. The juicy chicken, coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy batter, and infused with aromatic garlic is a game-changer. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
If you’re a fan of crispy fried chicken, this garlic-infused version will take your taste buds on a whole new adventure. The chicken is marinated in a garlic marinade that gives it a deep, savory flavor before it’s coated in a crispy, golden batter. The secret? Fresh garlic in both the marinade and the frying oil. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and promises a mouthwatering fried chicken experience every time. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or even a simple salad, and you’ve got a meal everyone will love.

Ingredients:
You’ll need a few staple ingredients for this Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken, but the real magic comes from the fresh garlic. For the full list, check below, but here’s a sneak peek: chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts work well), fresh garlic, buttermilk, and a mix of seasonings for the coating.

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by making a garlic marinade for your chicken. Crush a few cloves of garlic and mix it with buttermilk, salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika. You can even add a little hot sauce if you like a subtle kick. Let the chicken pieces marinate in this mixture for at least an hour, but if you have time, marinate it overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While your chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the crispy coating. In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a bit of cayenne if you like things spicy. This will give your chicken that perfect crunch with tons of flavor. Don’t forget to season the flour mix well—it’s key to achieving that flavorful, golden crust.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk mixture and let any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. For an extra-crispy crust, you can double-dip the chicken: first dip it in flour, then back in buttermilk, and then coat it in flour again. This will give you an even thicker, crunchier layer.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven to around 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into the oil, working in batches if necessary. Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. To check for doneness, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Infuse Garlic Flavor

Here’s where the magic happens: in the last few minutes of frying, add a couple of crushed garlic cloves to the oil. This will infuse the chicken with a subtle, garlicky aroma. Make sure to remove the garlic before it burns, and let the chicken drain on a rack or paper towels to get rid of any excess oil.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your garlic chicken fried chicken is crispy and golden, it’s ready to serve. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra garlic powder for that extra punch. Pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or corn on the cob for the perfect meal.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Marinate longer for more flavor: If you can, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer the chicken sits in the buttermilk and garlic, the more flavorful it will be.
Use a thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for fried chicken is 165°F (75°C).
Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets extra crispy.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Boneless chicken: If you prefer boneless chicken, you can use chicken tenders or boneless breasts. Just reduce the frying time, as boneless cuts cook faster.
Make it spicy: Add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the coating or marinade if you want to turn up the heat on this fried chicken.
Gluten-free version: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure to use a gluten-free buttermilk substitute, if necessary.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken is so flavorful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or even crispy fried green tomatoes. A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a classic coleslaw will balance the richness of the chicken. For drinks, a nice cold iced tea or lemonade will pair perfectly with this dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store your fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the crust soggy.

4 FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken like breasts or tenders. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as boneless pieces cook faster.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance and let the chicken marinate in the fridge until you’re ready to fry.
What oil is best for frying chicken?
Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil are great for frying chicken because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor. Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point.
How do I make the fried chicken extra crispy?
Double-coating the chicken by dipping it in flour, then buttermilk, and then flour again gives you a thicker, crunchier coating. Additionally, make sure the oil temperature is correct (350°F or 175°C) for a crispy crust without greasy chicken.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken is the crispy, flavorful dish that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. With tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a crispy, garlicky crust, this fried chicken is a sure winner for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, enjoying a weekend meal, or craving comfort food, this recipe checks all the boxes. Crispy, garlicky, and utterly delicious—it’s everything you love about fried chicken, with a flavorful twist.

Garlic Chicken Fried Chicken

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 1 hour (or overnight if marinating longer)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Fried
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Crush garlic and mix it with buttermilk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Coat the Chicken: Remove marinated chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off. Dredge chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken (flour, then buttermilk, then flour again).
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or Dutch oven. Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Infuse Garlic Flavor: In the last few minutes of frying, add crushed garlic cloves to the oil to infuse a subtle garlic aroma. Remove garlic before it burns.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or salad.