New York fried chicken: how to make it crispy and restaurant-quality
There is something magical about the first bite of New York fried chicken. I still remember sitting with my cousins in a shop in Queens, greasy paper bags, laughter, and that smell. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. But the moment that crispy coating gave way to tender, flavourful meat, let’s just say it was love at first bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden crust that stays crunchy long after frying.
- Tender and juicy chicken seasoned with authentic New York style spices.
- Easy to find ingredients that work even for first-time fryers.
- Adaptable for oven, air fryer, or traditional deep-frying methods.
Table of Contents
Ingredients List
Main Ingredients
- Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings) – Choose fresh, skin-on pieces for the best crunch.
- Buttermilk (2 cups) – The secret to tender chicken. If you don’t have it, mix milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups) – The foundation of that crisp outer layer.
- Cornstarch (½ cup) – Makes the crust lighter and crunchier.
- Paprika (1 tbsp) – Adds color and warmth.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp) – For that deep, savory undertone.
- Black pepper (1 tsp) – Freshly ground is best.
- Cayenne pepper (optional) – A touch of heat, New York style.
- Salt (1 tbsp) – Don’t skip this.
- Oil (for frying) – Peanut or canola oil for consistent heat and clean flavor.
Optional Twists
- Add crushed cornflakes to the flour mix for an extra crunch.
- Swap paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version—trust me, it works.
Recipe Options
- Oven-bake for a lighter version.
- Air-fry for fewer calories.
- Or deep-fry for the traditional, indulgent taste that NYC’s best chicken spots are known for.
What Is New York Fried Chicken
New York Fried Chicken isn’t just fried chicken it’s a city flavor packed into every bite. Think crispy golden crust, juicy meat, and spices that hit just right. It’s the kind of food you grab after a long day, sitting on a stoop with friends, laughing, and realizing simple food can taste downright extraordinary.
Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Marinating time: 1–4 hours
- Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
- Total time: Roughly 90 minutes,
How to Make New York Fried Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour buttermilk over them and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
Cover and refrigerate. The buttermilk softens the meat believe it or not, even two hours can make a world of difference.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
By and large, this is where the magic happens. That dry mix determines your crunch factor.
Step 3: Dredge and Rest
Take each piece of marinated chicken, drain off any excess liquid, coat it with the flour mixture, and then leave the pieces on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
This helps the coating stick better and fry more evenly.
Pro tip: Dip them back in the buttermilk and coat them again for an extra thick crust.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C).
I don’t keep you a secret temperature is everything. Too low, and the chicken soaks up oil. Too high, and it burns before cooking through.
Step 5: Drain and Rest
Place fried pieces on a wire rack lined with paper towels. Let them rest for 10 minutes.
This step locks in juiciness and keeps that crust crisp.
Professional Cooking Tips
- Always marinate don’t rush this part.
- Rest the coated chicken before frying.
- Keep oil temperature consistent.
- Season the flour, not just the meat.
- Never cover the chicken immediately after frying it steams and loses crunch.
How to Serve New York Fried Chicken
So, what’s the best way to enjoy New York Fried Chicken?
Honestly, there’s no wrong way. But here are a few ideas that never fail:
- Classic combo: Fries, coleslaw, and a soft dinner roll.
- Street-style: Sandwich the chicken in a brioche bun with pickles and spicy mayo.
- Family-style: Serve with mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.
- Weekend twist: Drizzle with honey and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a sweet-heat punch.
By the way, a cold soda (or an iced tea if you’re fancy) pairs perfectly.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover New York Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, skip the microwave it ruins the crunch. Instead, place pieces on a baking rack in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes until hot and crispy. For a quick fix, an air fryer also works perfectly to bring back that golden crunch.
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Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (2 pieces):
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 830mg
New York fried chicken: how to make it crispy and restaurant-quality
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces drumsticks, thighs, wings
- Buttermilk
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper optional
- Salt
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour buttermilk over them and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well, Cover and refrigerate.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Dredge and Rest
- Take each piece of marinated chicken, drain off any excess liquid, coat it with the flour mixture, and then leave the pieces on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C).temperature is everything. Too low, and the chicken soaks up oil. Too high, and it burns before cooking through.
Step 5: Drain and Rest
- Place fried pieces on a wire rack lined with paper towels. Let them rest for 10 minutes.
Notes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 830mg
FAQs
How does New York fried chicken differ from the South?
Southern fried chicken is often more buttery and uses a heavier batter. New York Fried Chicken leans toward crisp, spiced crusts with bold seasoning. It’s a mix of cultures and techniques, just like the city itself.
What is the 7/10–7 method for fried chicken?
It’s a simple trick: fry chicken for 7 minutes, rest it for 10 minutes, then refry for another 7 minutes. This gives you a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness exactly how some NYC takeout joints do it.
What is famous food in New York?
Aside from New York Fried Chicken, you’ve got pizza slices bigger than your face, bagels with cream cheese, pastrami sandwiches, and cheesecake that could end wars. But honestly, fried chicken holds its own among the legends.
Why are New York fries called that?
They were popularized by late night food joints across the city, often served with New York Fried Chicken. Thick cut, golden, and perfectly salted simple, but unforgettable.
Conclusion
Bottom line: New York Fried Chicken is comfort food that connects people crispy, juicy, seasoned perfectly, and made for sharing. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself on a rainy day, this recipe delivers. Try it out, share your results, and drop a comment below. Believe it or not, your version might just be the next NYC classic.
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