If there’s one recipe I always come back to, it’s this Buttery Garlic Fried Chicken Recipe. I’ll never forget the first time I made it, the smell of sizzling garlic and butter filled the kitchen, and I knew I had struck gold.
The chicken turns out crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for dinners, gatherings, or even as an indulgent solo treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple yet impactful ingredients to make your chicken bold in flavor and crispy in texture.
Chicken
- 3 lbs bone-in chicken (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or halved breasts): Bone-in pieces help lock in the juiciness!
- 3 tbsp olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps the seasoning stick.
- 2 tbsp garlic powder: Infuses garlic flavor into every bite.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that unmistakable aroma and taste.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: For that golden, crunchy crust.
- 3-4 large egg whites, beaten: Helps the coating stick perfectly.
- 3 quarts vegetable oil (for frying): Use a high smoke-point oil, such as vegetable or canola, to achieve the best results.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Basic seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter: The base of that rich, velvety sauce.
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- 7 cloves garlic, minced: Intensifies the garlicky goodness.
- A pinch of salt and pepper balances out the flavors.
- 2 tsp water: Keeps the sauce smooth and pourable.
Note: This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Customize Your Buttery Garlic Fried Chicken
This recipe is the perfect canvas for creativity. Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Low-Carb Swap: Use almond flour in place of all-purpose flour for a keto-friendly option.
- Herb-Infused Sauce: Throw thyme or oregano into the garlic butter for more herbaceous depth.
- Turn Up the Heat: Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the breading for a spicy kick.
- Healthier Cooking Method: Use an air fryer instead of deep frying for a lightened-up version.
How Long Does It Take?
Here’s a quick overview to help with planning.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating and resting)
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Essential Equipment for Crispy Perfection
To make sure your chicken turns out just right, have these tools ready:
- Large mixing bowl: For marinating the chicken and locking in the flavors.
- Shallow dish: Perfect for breading the chicken evenly.
- Deep fryer or large skillet: Ensures crispy and even frying.
- Wire rack: Drains excess oil and keeps the chicken crispy.
How to Make Buttery Garlic Fried Chicken?
This step-by-step guide will show you how to make this Buttery Garlic Fried Chicken!
Marinate the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cover the chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is key to infusing the chicken with flavor and keeping it moist once cooked.
Coat Your Chicken to Perfection
While the chicken marinates, set up your breading station. Combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Beat the egg whites in another. One by one, dip each piece of marinated chicken into the egg whites and then the flour mixture, coating generously. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. This resting time helps the breading adhere better during frying.
Fry the Chicken
Heat your oil to 325°F in a deep fryer or large skillet. Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Turn occasionally to ensure even browning. Each piece will take 10-12 minutes to reach the perfect golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F.
Make the Buttery Garlic Sauce
Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic with 2 teaspoons of water for about a minute, just until fragrant. Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper, then whisk until smooth. Remove from heat, but keep the sauce warm.
Drizzle, Toss, and Serve
With the fried chicken still hot, toss it in a large bowl with the buttery garlic sauce. Make sure every piece is coated for maximum flavor. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s faces light up after the first bite!
My Best Tips for Irresistible Chicken
These are tricks I’ve learned along the way to perfect this recipe:
- Rest the Breaded Chicken for 30 minutes before frying. It makes the crust adhere better and prevents it from falling apart.
- Keep a Frying Thermometer handy to ensure the oil stays at the optimal temperature of 325°F.
- Opt for Fresh Garlic instead of pre-minced for the sauce. The flavor is unbeatable.
How to Serve Buttery Garlic Fried Chicken?
Presentation is everything! Arrange the chicken on a platter and drizzle with extra garlic butter sauce. For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh parsley or serve with lemon wedges for a citrusy contrast. Pair it with classics like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or mac and cheese. Feeling adventurous? Slip a chicken piece into a brioche bun with pickles for a game-changing sandwich.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (~6 servings):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 28g
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prep the marinade and breading up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the chicken refrigerated until cooking.
- Storage: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F to restore its crispiness without drying it out.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe?
This Buttery Garlic Fried Chicken isn’t just delicious; it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Easier Than It Looks: You don’t have to be a chef to make it perfectly crispy and flavorful.
- Customizable Flavors: Adjust spices and ingredients for your own twist.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for family dinners or parties.
- Versatile Pairings: Goes great with virtually any side dish, from fries to rice to salads.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself adding it to your regular rotation. It’s comforting, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable!
Buttery Garlic Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 lbs bone-in chicken drumsticks, thighs, wings, or halved breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 –4 large egg whites beaten
- 3 quarts vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter
- 7 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 2 tsp water
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cover the chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is key to infusing the chicken with flavor and keeping it moist once cooked.
- While the chicken marinates, set up your breading station. Combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Beat the egg whites in another. One by one, dip each piece of marinated chicken into the egg whites and then the flour mixture, coating generously. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. This resting time helps the breading adhere better during frying.
- Heat your oil to 325°F in a deep fryer or large skillet. Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Turn occasionally to ensure even browning. Each piece will take 10-12 minutes to reach the perfect golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic with 2 teaspoons of water for about a minute, just until fragrant. Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper, then whisk until smooth. Remove from heat, but keep the sauce warm.
- With the fried chicken still hot, toss it in a large bowl with the buttery garlic sauce. Make sure every piece is coated for maximum flavor. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s faces light up after the first bite!
Notes
- Letting the coated chicken rest before frying helps the crust stay intact.
- Always check oil temperature for consistent frying.
- Use fresh garlic for the sauce — it makes a big difference.
- Pair with lemon wedges, parsley, or slide into a brioche bun for a killer sandwich.
