Your New Favorite Fried Chicken Recipes

Fried chicken recipes are a go-to for crispy, flavorful meals that never go out of style. Whether you like it extra crunchy, lightly seasoned, or packed with spice, there’s something here for every preference. It’s a dish that works for casual dinners or special gatherings.

There are so many ways to make fried chicken—classic buttermilk, spicy southern-style, or even with a twist using different coatings and seasonings. You can fry it in a pan, deep fryer, or even try an air fryer for a different take. Each method brings its own texture and flavor.

These recipes are great for weekends, parties, or when you just want something delicious and simple. Fried chicken is all about getting that perfect balance of crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—and these ideas help make that happen.

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Juicy chicken breasts filled with cheese, herbs, or even veggies, all cooked up crisp on the outside in the air fryer. It’s a great way to get flavor and texture without overcomplicating dinner. You can change up the stuffing based on what’s in your fridge. A go-to for easy, elevated meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Sesame Chicken

Sticky, slightly sweet, and full of bold flavor, sesame chicken brings comfort with every bite. The crispy coating holds up under the glossy sauce, making it perfect over rice or steamed veggies. It’s easy to make at home and comes together faster than takeout. Great for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

This version keeps the crunch while skipping the oil, thanks to the air fryer. The seasoning is classic—peppery, savory, and just right with a side of slaw or mashed potatoes. The air fryer locks in moisture, so the chicken stays tender inside. A lighter option that still delivers on texture.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Oven Fried Chicken

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—this oven-baked take on fried chicken is a crowd-pleaser. The coating gets golden in the oven without needing to deep fry. It’s easy to prep ahead and toss on a baking sheet for a no-fuss meal. Best with a little hot sauce or honey drizzle.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken

Chicken Fried Steak

A classic comfort dish where steak is treated like fried chicken—breaded, pan-fried, and topped with creamy gravy. It’s all about that crispy crust and fork-tender bite underneath. Perfect for weekend dinners or a hearty breakfast with eggs. Pairs well with mashed potatoes or biscuits.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

Sticky Garlic Chicken Nuggets

These nuggets are coated in a sweet-savory garlic glaze that clings to every crispy edge. They’re perfect for dipping or piling onto rice or noodles. You can bake or air fry them for an easy, mess-free option. Great for kids or anyone who loves a bold, sticky sauce.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Garlic Chicken Nuggets

Oven-Fried Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

This all-in-one dinner features crispy chicken baked alongside veggies for a full meal on a single pan. The chicken gets its crunch in the oven while the vegetables roast until tender. Cleanup is quick, and you can customize the veggies to what’s on hand. Perfect for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Fried Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Soaking chicken in buttermilk keeps it tender, and baking it with seasoned potatoes means everything cooks together. The chicken gets a nice crust, while the potatoes soak up flavor from the drippings. It’s hearty, comforting, and minimal cleanup. Great for family meals or casual hosting.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Sautéed Chicken Breast with Shallot and Cider

Quick and full of flavor, this dish balances sweet apple cider with the savory kick of shallots. The chicken stays juicy, and the sauce adds a little something extra without being heavy. Serve it with greens, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the pan sauce. A solid go-to when you want something a bit different.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Chicken Breast with Shallot and Cider

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A long soak in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and gives the coating extra crunch. Seasoned flour clings perfectly, and once it hits the hot oil, the result is golden, crisp, and full of flavor. Great hot or cold, making it a picnic or dinner favorite. Pairs with nearly anything from coleslaw to mac and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

Crispy fried chicken served over rich, buttery rice with a homemade gravy that pulls it all together. The herbs in the rice add a fresh note, balancing out the richness of the chicken and sauce. Every element complements the others, but nothing’s too complicated. Feels like a weekend dinner with weekday effort.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot

Unexpected but effective—the slow cooker keeps the chicken juicy while the coating holds on just enough texture. Finish it under the broiler if you want extra crisp. It’s hands-off cooking with delicious results. Great when you want fried chicken flavor without standing over a skillet.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Classic fried chicken flavor made easier with the air fryer. It gets that crispy exterior while staying moist inside, and it doesn’t require a vat of oil. You can season it however you like or keep it traditional. A solid weeknight option with way less cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

This recipe captures the well-loved crispy coating and tender chicken you’d expect from a comfort food staple. It’s seasoned simply but cooked to perfection, giving you a crunchy bite and juicy center. Pair it with gravy, biscuits, or your favorite Southern sides. Great for recreating that Sunday dinner feel at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

KFC Fried Chicken

Crunchy, juicy, and packed with that signature seasoning blend, this version brings all the flavor you remember. The key is the spiced flour coating and proper frying technique. Great hot out of the oil or cold from the fridge. Serve with biscuits or fries for the full experience.
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken

Chicken Pakora

These crisp, bite-sized fritters are packed with bold spices and a hint of heat. The chickpea flour batter adds a unique texture and flavor that sets them apart. Fry them up fresh and serve with chutney or yogurt sauce. A popular snack that’s great for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Spicy Chicken Strips

These strips bring the heat, with a crispy coating and a kick of spice in every bite. Great for dipping, wrapping in flatbreads, or stacking on sandwiches. Easy to make at home and tweak the spice level to your liking. Perfect when you’re craving something bold.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicken Strips

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Crispy and coated in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy glaze, this chicken is big on flavor. The air fryer gives it that signature crunch without the mess of frying. Perfect as a main dish or served in smaller pieces as an appetizer. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion for extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Crispy Low Carb Fried Chicken

This fried chicken skips the traditional breading but still brings all the crunch. A blend of low-carb ingredients keeps the coating golden and crisp while the inside stays juicy. It’s a solid choice for anyone watching carbs without missing out on texture or flavor. Pairs well with simple sides or a light salad.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Low Carb Fried Chicken