Fried Chicken Recipes That Taste Even Better Than KFC

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Nashville Hot Chicken

A chicken drumstick with Nashville hot sauce on a wooden platter.
Nashville Hot Chicken. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Super crispy fried chicken drenched in a rich, buttery hot sauce, this KFC-inspired recipe takes "finger-licking good" to a whole new level! Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or cheesy mac and cheese for an unbeatable meal. Perfect for a comfort food feast that'll leave everyone coming back for more!
Get the Recipe: Nashville Hot Chicken

Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich

Spicy fried chicken sandwich with sriracha mayo and jalapeno slaw.
Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: With Spice.

This crispy, crunchy fried chicken sandwich packs a punch with its spicy sriracha mayo and a zesty sour cream jalapeño slaw on top. Bursting with bold flavors, it’s the perfect spicy treat for anyone who loves a little heat. Each bite delivers an irresistible combination of textures and tastes that'll keep you craving more!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich

Korean Fried Chicken

Large skillet filled with homemade Korean fried chicken coated in a homemade sweet and spicy Gochujang sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Crispy Korean Fried Chicken – Featuring perfectly fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy gochujang chili sauce, inspired by Korean flavors. Known as Yangnyeom chicken, or "seasoned chicken," this dish is simple to prepare and pairs wonderfully with rice noodles or steamed rice. The irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Korean Fried Chicken

Chicken Katsu

Chicken Katsu prepared on a plate with Tonkatsu sauce and rice.
Chicken Katsu. Photo credit: Plating Pixels.

Craving a deliciously juicy and flavorful fried chicken that's ready in just 30 minutes? This chicken katsu recipe, a Japanese take on fried chicken, delivers with an ultra-crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat on the inside. Not only is it a joy to make, but it's also incredibly satisfying to eat, especially when paired with a fresh cabbage slaw and homemade Tonkatsu sauce. For an authentic experience, serve it with a side of white rice. This meal is sure to become a new favorite for quick and tasty weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Katsu

Crispy Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets

Side view of a stack of thin breaded chicken breasts with a lemon.
Crispy Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

This Crispy Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets recipe is truly unbeatable! Thinly sliced chicken breasts are coated in a homemade blend of seasoned breadcrumbs, then pan-fried in extra virgin olive oil to achieve a perfectly crispy and flavorful crust. Serve them with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Italian Breaded Chicken Cutlets

Electric Skillet Fried Chicken

Electric skillet fried chicken in porcelain dish with garlic mayo on the side.
Electric Skillet Fried Chicken. Photo credit: In The Kitch.

Have you ever dreamed of making perfectly crispy fried chicken at home but felt a bit overwhelmed by the process? You're definitely not the only one. Frying chicken on the stovetop can be tricky, especially when it comes to keeping the oil at the right temperature for deep-frying. However, with this electric skillet fried chicken recipe, you'll never have to stress about whether your oil is too hot or too cool again! Plus, it's a foolproof way to achieve that mouthwatering crunch every time.
Get the Recipe: Electric Skillet Fried Chicken

Chicken Schnitzel

Platter full of chicken schnitzel.
Chicken Schnitzel. Photo credit: Gypsyplate.

This Chicken Schnitzel recipe from Gypsy Plate features perfectly seasoned chicken breasts, pounded thin and coated in a crispy, golden breading. It’s pan-fried to perfection, giving the chicken a tender and juicy interior while achieving a crunchy exterior. This classic German dish is simple to prepare, making it an easy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to serve at gatherings. Enjoy it with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor, or pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Schnitzel

Fried Chicken Strips

A display of Fried Chicken Strips.
Fried Chicken Strips. Photo credit: Miss In The Kitchen.

Fried Chicken Strips are a beloved comfort food that everyone can enjoy! This is my go-to recipe for making the best homemade chicken strips, guaranteed to outshine any drive-thru option. They're crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Strips

BBQ Boneless Wings

Overhead view of bowl of bbq boneless wings.
BBQ Boneless Wings. Photo credit: Miss In The Kitchen.

BBQ Boneless Wings make an ideal, hassle-free dinner that everyone will love. Tender, crispy fried boneless chicken pieces smothered in sweet BBQ sauce are absolutely irresistible. Serve them with your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Boneless Wings

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

A display of Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Tessie's Table.

This recipe perfectly blends savory and sweet flavors, with a crispy cornflake coating that gives each bite an incredible crunch. It's a versatile dish that shines in any season, whether you're savoring it at a summer picnic or enjoying a cozy dinner indoors. The air fryer ensures a golden, crispy finish without the mess or calories of deep frying, offering a healthier and more convenient alternative. Plus, it's quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Chicken On A Stick

A hand holds a Chicken On A Stick topped with a pickled jalapeño pepper above a platter of Chicken On A Stick.
Chicken On A Stick. Photo credit: Sense and Edibility.

Chicken On A Stick is a beloved San Antonio Fiesta tradition, featuring brined chicken that’s coated in a crispy breading and fried to golden perfection, then finished with a pickled jalapeño on top. Avoid the long lines and store-bought frozen options by making this delicious version at home for much less. It's an ideal dish for hosting your own Fiesta or offering a fun twist on traditional fried chicken. Serve it up with your favorite dipping sauces to elevate the experience even more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken On A Stick

Chicken and Biscuits with Maple-Butter Dipping Sauce

¾ shot of platter of chicken and biscuits in center, maple-butter dipping sauce foreground and Danish Creamery in background.
Chicken and Biscuits with Maple-Butter Dipping Sauce. Photo credit: Sense and Edibility.

It's only a matter of time before you get invited to your friend’s party, cookout, or get-together, so why not come prepared with a crowd-pleasing recipe? This Chicken and Biscuits dish is sure to impress the host, and the other guests will be amazed at your cooking skills. You can bask in the glory of your kitchen wizardry—go ahead and gloat a little. After all, they’re just kitchen amateurs. Plus, it's always fun to stand out with a dish that steals the show!
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Biscuits with Maple-Butter Dipping Sauce

Chicken Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy

A portrait image of a blue-rimmed plate with mashed potatoes and Chicken Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy.
Chicken Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy. Photo credit: Sense and Edibility.

Soaked in a tangy buttermilk brine, this chicken turns out irresistibly crispy and juicy, and it’s elevated even more by a rich, velvety pan gravy. Serve it with your favorite sides for an unbeatable comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy

Karaage Chicken

Crispy karaage chicken on a blue Japanese porcelain plate with a lemon wedge, chopsticks, and a small bowl of Kewpie mayo for dipping.
Karaage Chicken. Photo credit: The Heirloom Pantry.

Karaage Chicken is a flavorful and crispy Japanese fried chicken that is tender and juicy on the inside. This mouthwatering dish is perfect as a shared appetizer or a satisfying main course. All you need to do is marinate the chicken, fry it to golden perfection, and serve! It’s a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Karaage Chicken

Breaded Chicken

Meal Prep Breaded Chicken (No Egg) on a plate with green beans.
Breaded Chicken. Photo credit: Lauren Fit Foodie.

There’s something timeless and comforting about breaded chicken, and this breaded chicken recipe, without the use of eggs, stands out as a favorite. With just three simple ingredients, it delivers a surprisingly delicious result. The secret to its flavor lies in using ranch dressing as the binding agent, eliminating the need for the typical egg wash. Not only does the ranch dressing help the breadcrumbs adhere, but it also infuses the chicken with incredible flavor while keeping it moist. This healthier version is as tasty as it is easy to make, offering a guilt-free alternative to the traditional fried method. It's a must-try for any home cook looking for a quick and flavorful chicken dish.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Chicken

Crispy Panko Chicken

Crispy chicken cutlet with panko on a plate with lemon and arugula.
Crispy Panko Chicken. Photo credit: Seasoned and Salted.

This Crispy Panko Chicken recipe from Seasoned and Salted features tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust. The chicken is pan-fried to golden perfection, ensuring a juicy interior and a crispy exterior. Simple yet flavorful, this dish makes for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner that pairs well with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Panko Chicken

Smoked Fried Chicken

Juicy smoked fried chicken legs with a golden crispy skin.
Smoked Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Carnediem.

This crispy, juicy smoked fried chicken is a go-to favorite when it comes to making chicken on our smoker. The chicken is first brined in buttermilk, then coated in a savory blend of herbed flour, and smoked until it's perfectly tender and flavorful. For an extra crispy finish, you can fry the smoked chicken in hot oil to create an irresistible crunch. This dish is the ultimate combination of smoky flavor and crispy texture, making it a hit for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Fried Chicken

Southern Fried Chicken

Close up of stacked Southern Fried Chicken on plate.
Southern Fried Chicken. Photo credit: This Silly Girl's Kitchen.

Southern Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that never disappoints! With a perfectly crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior, this chicken is everything you could hope for in a meal. It's the kind of fried chicken that dreams are made of, delivering that satisfying crunch followed by flavorful, succulent meat. This recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite for family dinners or special gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Chicken

Cornflake Chicken

A couple of Cornflake Chicken in a tray served with a bowl of dipping sauce.
Cornflake Chicken. Photo credit: Princess Pinky Girl.

Cornflake Chicken is a deliciously crispy alternative to traditional fried chicken. Juicy, tender chicken tenderloins are coated in a seasoned blend of crushed cornflakes, creating a crunchy outer layer that locks in the flavor. This healthier, baked option delivers all the texture and taste you crave without the extra oil.
Get the Recipe: Cornflake Chicken

Fried Chicken Tacos

Fried Chicken Tacos on a plate with lime crema sauce and mango salsa.
Fried Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: The View From Great Island.

These 30-minute fried chicken tacos are a perfect solution for busy weeknights. With crispy chicken, tangy pickled onions, crunchy red cabbage, and a refreshing cilantro lime crema, they come together in just half an hour! The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a family favorite you'll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Tacos

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