Crisco Fried Chicken Recipe for Crispy Success

My grandma’s secret crisco fried chicken recipe always created magic in our kitchen.

Crispy golden edges and tender meat became her signature style.

Southern comfort never tasted so incredible when she dredged each piece in seasoned flour.

Generations of relatives requested her special technique that guaranteed maximum flavor and texture.

Crunchy exterior and juicy interior make this method irresistible for weekend gatherings.

Little details like precise oil temperature and buttermilk marination set this recipe apart from ordinary versions.

She understood that perfect fried chicken demands patience and precise technique.

Let’s recreate that nostalgic comfort with this incredible recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Better Crisco Fried Chicken Results

• Maximize Marinading Magic: Let chicken soak in buttermilk and hot sauce overnight to ensure deep, rich flavor infusion and tender meat texture.
• Perfect Flour Coating Technique: Press flour mixture firmly onto chicken to create a crispy, even crust that locks in moisture and provides delicious crunch.
• Temperature Control Matters: Maintain consistent 350F oil temperature to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking chicken pieces.
• Avoid Overcrowding Wisdom: Fry chicken in batches to keep oil temperature stable and ensure each piece gets perfectly crispy without steaming.
• Rest and Drain Strategy: Place fried chicken on wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain optimal crispiness.

Keeping Crisco Fried Chicken Crisp

• Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Restore crunchiness by reheating in an air fryer at 375F for 3-4 minutes. This method helps maintain the original crispy texture better than microwave.
• Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165F when reheating to prevent foodborne illness. Use a meat thermometer for accurate temperature measurement.

Foods That Go with Crisco Fried Chicken

• Crisp, tangy coleslaw balances the rich, crispy chicken with its cool, refreshing crunch and vinegar-based dressing.
• Soft, flaky buttermilk biscuits complement the chicken's golden exterior, soaking up delicious juices and adding a comforting Southern touch.
• Ice-cold, sugary Southern sweet tea cuts through the chicken's richness, providing a classic refreshing beverage that perfectly rounds out the meal.
• Smooth, cheesy mac and cheese offers a rich, indulgent side that harmonizes with the crispy, seasoned chicken, creating a ultimate comfort food combination.

Fun Ways to Serve Crisco Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free rice flour or almond flour for a crispy coating suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap flour mixture with crushed pork rinds or ground almond meal to create a low-carb breading that maintains the classic crispy texture.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper and additional hot sauce to the flour mixture for extra heat and bold flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Option: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the flour coating to create a more complex and aromatic chicken experience.

Crisco Fried Chicken FAQs You’ll Appreciate

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

No, buttermilk is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and adding tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.

• What type of chicken pieces work best?

Bone-in chicken pieces like thighs, drumsticks, and wings are ideal. They stay juicy and have more flavor compared to boneless chicken.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a digital thermometer to check that the Crisco reaches 350F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of flour into the oil – it should sizzle and rise immediately without burning.

• How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

Double-dredge the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and flour mixture a second time. This creates a thicker, crunchier coating that stays crisp longer.

What People Love About Crisco Fried Chicken

• Reasons to Love This Crisco Fried Chicken
• Buttermilk and hot sauce tenderize chicken in just 4 hours, creating mouthwatering flavor that seeps deep into every bite.
• Cast iron skillet method ensures crispy, golden exterior with perfectly cooked interior, making even novice cooks look like professional chefs.
• Classic comfort food that brings everyone together, delivering nostalgic Southern-style goodness with minimal kitchen effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Works brilliantly for casual family dinners, game day gatherings, or potluck parties where crowd-pleasing dishes are always welcome.

Crisco Fried Chicken Ingredients Breakdown

• Chicken Pieces: Succulent base for the crispy fried dish, best with bone-in pieces for juicier meat and richer flavor.

• Buttermilk, Hot Sauce: Tenderizing liquid that adds tang and helps create a moist, flavorful chicken with a slight kick.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Seasoned coating that creates a crispy, golden exterior with complex spice profile.

• Crisco Shortening: Neutral-flavored fat perfect for achieving a crisp, even golden-brown crust with high smoke point for consistent frying.

Cooking Crisco Fried Chicken at Home

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

• Buttermilk
• Hot sauce

Submerge chicken pieces fully in marinade. Cover and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor development.

Step 2: Create Seasoned Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Step 3: Prepare Chicken for Frying

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Roll each piece thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage. Gently shake off extra coating.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Fat

Pour Crisco shortening into large cast iron skillet. Heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit over medium temperature. Use cooking thermometer to verify precise temperature.

Step 5: Fry Chicken Pieces

Carefully place chicken into hot shortening, skin facing downward. Maintain adequate spacing between pieces. Avoid overcrowding pan.

Step 6: Cook Until Golden

Fry each side approximately 8-10 minutes. Chicken should develop deep golden brown exterior. Confirm internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit using meat thermometer.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Transfer fried chicken onto wire cooling rack or paper towels. Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy crispy, flavorful Southern-style chicken.

Crisco Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Crisco fried chicken brings Southern comfort straight to your dinner table with golden-brown perfection. Juicy meat and crunchy coating promise a classic meal that connects family and flavor in one delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 ½ lbs or 1.6 kg), cut into 8 pieces

Coating and Marinade:

• 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) paprika
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) onion powder

Frying:

• Crisco shortening (for frying, enough for 1 ½ inches or 3.8 cm in skillet)

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Instructions

1. Submerge chicken pieces in a zesty buttermilk and hot sauce bath, refrigerating for a minimum of 4 hours to infuse deep flavor and tenderize the meat.
2. Craft a seasoned coating by blending flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a separate mixing vessel.
3. Extract chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to cascade off, then meticulously coat each piece in the spiced flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage.
4. Melt Crisco shortening in a robust cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, heating to a precise 350F, creating the ideal frying environment.
5. Gently lower chicken pieces into the molten shortening, positioning skin-side down with ample spacing to prevent overcrowding.
6. Execute a careful frying process, turning once, cooking approximately 8-10 minutes per side until the exterior transforms into a golden, crispy shell and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F.
7. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or absorbent paper towels to drain excess fat, allowing the meat to rest and settle for 5 minutes before presenting a delectable, crunchy feast.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Overnight soaking in buttermilk and hot sauce helps tenderize chicken, creating deeper flavor and more juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Press flour mixture firmly onto chicken to ensure a thick, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and creates an irresistible crunch.
• Temperature Control Matters: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, preventing greasy chicken and ensuring even, golden-brown results.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delectable crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg