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Fried chicken sandwich with a crispy chicken fillet from Royal Fried Chicken, served with fresh toppings.

Why Royal Fried Chicken Is the King of Crispy Delights

Royal Fried Chicken stands out with its perfect blend of crispy golden crust and tender, juicy meat. This image highlights the signature dish that’s earned a loyal following, offering unbeatable flavor and crunch in every bite.

  • Total Time: 35
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken drumsticks & thighs (or your preferred cuts)
  • 2 cups buttermilk (for marinating)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
  • 1 tbsp paprika (adds smokiness)
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (for a mild heat)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Cooking oil (for deep frying, vegetable or peanut oil works well)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    In a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken drumsticks and thighs. Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours (or overnight) to tenderize the chicken and enhance flavor.
  2. Prepare the Coating:
    In a shallow dish or large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
  3. Double-Coat the Chicken:
    Remove the chicken from the buttermilk. First, dip each piece into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Then, dip it back into the buttermilk and coat it again with the flour mixture for an extra crispy coating.
  4. Heat the Oil:
    In a large, deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge the chicken halfway.
  5. Fry the Chicken:
    Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, one piece at a time. Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Drain and Rest:
    Once the chicken is perfectly golden and crispy, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
  7. Serve:
    Serve the fried chicken immediately with your favorite sides, sauces, and dips, and enjoy the crispy, juicy perfection!

Notes

  1. Buttermilk Marinade:
    • The longer the chicken marinates in buttermilk, the more tender and flavorful it will become. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
  2. Oil Temperature:
    • Maintaining the right oil temperature (350°F or 175°C) is crucial to getting that perfect crispy crust. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. You can use a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
  3. Flour Coating Variations:
    • Feel free to experiment with the flour blend. You can use half regular all-purpose flour and half cornstarch for a lighter, crispier texture. Some people even mix in a bit of rice flour for extra crunch.
  4. Double Coating:
    • For an extra crispy crust, make sure to double-coat the chicken: coat it once in the flour, dip it back in the buttermilk, and coat it a second time in the flour. This adds more texture and crunch.
  5. Frying Method:
    • If you don’t have a deep fryer, a large pot or Dutch oven works well. Just make sure to use enough oil to cover at least half of the chicken. Frying in batches is key to keeping the oil temperature stable.
  6. Resting the Chicken:
    • Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack or paper towels after frying. This ensures the coating stays crispy and prevents it from getting soggy.
  7. Healthier Alternative:
    • If you’re looking for a lighter version, try air-frying the chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked.
  8. Flavor Variations:
    • Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste! Add more cayenne pepper for extra spice or try adding dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
  9. Storage:
    • Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain its crispy texture.
  • Author: Aida
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Royal Fried Chicken
  • Cuisine: American Southern.
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1-2 pieces of chicken
  • Calories: 459
  • Sugar: 1-3 grams per serving
  • Sodium: 500-700mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5-8 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
  • Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70-90 mg