What is comfort food to you? If you’re like me, and many other people in the world, one of the images that comes to mind is a gorgeously crispy fried chicken. Simple but flavorful, fried chicken is a treat for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re enjoying it at a kid’s birthday party or serving it as an appetizer for game night with your barkada (group of friends), crispy fried chicken is definitely a classic choice.

Fried chicken is seen as a quintessential part of American cuisine. In the American South, especially, crispy fried chicken is a staple in many homes and restaurants. In fact, many restaurants and fast food chains boast their own trademark fried chicken recipes (KFC and Popeyes ring any bells?). This is something that has been imitated across the world, finding a home even in countries like ours; just think of Jollibee!
But wherever you may buy your chicken from, that feeling of comfort and warmth and indulgence is always the same. There’s nothing quite like that first bite you take into a great piece of chicken –– the marriage of the crunch of golden skin and tender meat is unlike any other.
A combo meal
The best thing about fried chicken is the many things you can pair it with. Here are just some of my favorites:
- Mashed potatoes. Like I said, mashed potatoes are my kids’ favorite thing to eat with a crispy fried chicken. To be honest, any way you cook potatoes is a great partner to this delicious meal. But mashed potatoes truly win people’s hearts over with their smooth and buttery texture; and let’s not forget the fact that they taste great, too! My favorite part about mashed potatoes is how perfectly they go with a sumptuous serving of gravy.
- Rice. Being the Filipinos that we are, of course, there’s no way to enjoy a perfectly good meal quite like enjoying it with a nice cup of rice! There’s a reason this particular combination is so popular at fast food restaurants as value meals. Crispy fried chicken with wonderful compact white rice is a filling meal worthy of all praise. Whether you’re having it at your table or on the go, it’s the best for that mundane bite of comfort. And if you’re like me, indulge a little and pour gravy of that delicious cup!
- Corn. Bright, sweet, and nutritious, corn is a healthy alternative to some of the other side dishes on this menu. The buttery and velvety flavor of corn is a fitting contrast to the texture of crispy fried chicken. Some like to pair corn with carrots for another layer of depth to taste, while others even make corn muffins to pair with this dish! However you enjoy it, corn is a wonderful and sweet addition to any taste palate.
- Coleslaw. A side dish of shredded cabbage topped with a generous portion of vinaigrette or mayonnaise is what comprises this humble but delicious dish. Coleslaw is a refreshing partner to any breaded or fried dish; you often see it as a side in most tonkatsu places as well. Slaw works great with our crispy fried chicken as it’s able to add bursts of refreshing flavor of its own. Another upside: it’s such an easy side to make!
- Biscuits. Another humble product of American South cuisine, buttermilk biscuits are as rich and indulgent as they come. These biscuits aren’t like the ones you buy in packs at the grocery; warm, fluffy, and perfect with honey or gravy, these will fill you up almost as much as the fried chicken will. Trust me: you won’t get enough!

What’s your favorite side dish for crispy fried chicken?
Tips and tricks for crispy fried chicken
Whether it’s your first or fifth time cooking this delectable dish, here are some pointers that might help you maximize fried chicken’s yumminess.
- Double the coating, double the crispiness
Crispy fried chicken is an easy enough dish to make, but the problem may lie in how well and evenly you coat the breading. Dredging your chicken more than once in your mix of flour and batter will guarantee that you’ve covered the chicken thoroughly. It also prevents any excess batter or skin from falling off as you fry.
- High and dry
Once you’ve finished frying your chicken, you might notice it tends to end up quite oily. One way to avoid serving a dish that’s too greasy is to place it on a plate with a paper towel after frying. Patting your crispy fried chicken down with a paper towel lessens the grease without sacrificing its crunchy texture. Once you’ve filtered out the excess, place your chicken on a wire rack to cool down before plating.
- The best things take time

While this recipe should only take about 35 minutes, it really depends on how hot your oil is on your stovetop. I say it should take about 7 minutes per side, but do check on your chicken and see what the best result is for you! Crispy fried chicken is a great dish, but be sure to take your own sweet time making it. The results will definitely be worth the wait.
Crispy Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. chicken cut into individual pieces
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 cups cooking oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Batter ingredients
- ¾ cup warm not hot fresh or evaporated milk
- 1 Knorr Chicken Cube
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Rub salt all over the chicken. Let it stay for 15 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a cooking pot.
- Prepare the batter. Start by pressing a fork on the chicken cube until it is completely squashed. Combine it with warm milk. Stir until well blended. Set aside.
- Combine flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well using a fork or a wire whisk. Set aside.
- Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add the milk mixture. Continue to beat until all the ingredients are all incorporated. Add half of flour mixture. Whisk. Add the remaining half and whisk until the texture of the batter becomes smooth.
- Dredge the chicken in flour and then dip in batter. Roll it again in flour until completely covered. Fry in medium heat for 7 minutes per side.
- Remove from the pot and put in a plate lined with paper towel. This will absorb the oil.
- Serve with ketchup or gravy.
- Share and enjoy!
Maria says
My family loves this! And my daughters’ friends. My husband calls it MFC! Salamat for sharing x
Maria x
Ashok says
Thanks Guys, Your Recipe Was Too Fantastic. Me and My Family Loved it. I Will Share your Rrecipe with my friends. Hope they will love it too.
Mila Barker says
I am your avid fan and followers in cooking..I have learned a lot and my American husband and friends enjoyed all of your tasty recipes …I turn as a cook lover and my husband family loves and enjoyed…My kitchen are now busy especially week ends and few gatherings with friends…Thank you Vanjo…you are the best…My husband love to share his food with his co employees at work…especially asian ….
Gina says
I didn’t know how to cook but thanks to you I not w know! I always go to your site for various recipes. This question is about your stir fry recipe. You always put oyster sauce. But my family doesn’t use that. Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
Thanks a lot
Gina
Nasir says
Will be yammy with tomato hot sauce! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
plasterer bristol says
been looking for a nice recipe like this to try for chicken. Thanks for sharing.
Simon
Brian says
Hello, Your Crispy Fried Chicken looks good.
I have a suggestion for you.
Once, your chicken is done cooking, instead of laying it down on a plate lined with paper towel, pat it with a paper towel and then lay it on a wire rack such as a cookie rack. This way, the oil will drip off and it will remain crispy.
Brian……
Vanjo Merano says
This is a good suggestion, Brian. Thank you.