If you're craving perfectly crispy fried chicken with a tender, juicy inside, this recipe is for you! Made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor, this fried chicken breast is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough for deep frying)

Steps to Make Crispy Fried Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the buttermilk with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the breading mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating.
4. Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you sprinkle in a bit of flour, around 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or spicy mayo.

Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken:

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without overcooking.
• Double-dip the chicken in the breading for an extra crispy crust.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain its juiciness.

This crispy fried chicken breast recipe is simple yet delicious. It's perfect for any occasion and pairs well with a fresh salad, fries, or mashed potatoes. Give it a try, and enjoy the satisfying crunch and tender flavor!