20 Must-Try Fried Chicken Recipes for Every Craving

There’s nothing quite like the crispy, golden perfection of fried chicken. Whether you love it spicy, sweet, crunchy, or tender, this roundup of 20 fried chicken recipes has something for everyone. Grab your skillet, heat up that oil, and get ready to bring the flavor!

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click through them and make a purchase, we may be financially compensated for directing you there. Thank you for supporting Cookware & Gifts!

1. Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Soaked overnight in tangy buttermilk and fried to golden perfection—this is the recipe that started it all.

2. Nashville Hot Chicken

Crank up the heat with this spicy Southern favorite, slathered in a cayenne-based hot oil paste or by following a recipe like this one from Immaculate Bites.

3. Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang Sauce

Delicious fried chicken tossed in a sweet, sticky, spicy Korean-style glaze.

4. Chicken & Waffles

Crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles and maple syrup. Brunch will never be the same.

5. Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Drizzle warm honey butter over freshly fried chicken for a sweet and savory explosion.

6. Chicken Sandwich with Slaw and Pickles

A towering fried chicken sandwich with tangy coleslaw, pickles, and spicy mayo.

7. Popcorn Chicken Bites

Perfectly seasoned, bite-sized fried chicken nuggets great for snacking or party appetizers.

8. Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

Juicy tenders coated in seasoned flour and served with ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce.

9. Jamaican Jerk Fried Chicken

Marinated in a bold jerk seasoning blend before being fried until crispy and flavorful.

10. Fried Chicken Po’ Boy

A Louisiana classic featuring crunchy fried chicken tucked into a French roll with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade.

11. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Tossed in a garlicky butter sauce with grated Parmesan for the ultimate savory treat.

12. Spicy Fried Chicken Tacos

Crispy chicken tucked into tortillas with creamy chipotle slaw and avocado.

13. General Tso’s Chicken

Sweet, sticky, and slightly spicy, this Asian-American dish puts a fried chicken twist on a takeout favorite.

14. Fried Chicken Caesar Wraps

Crispy chicken wrapped in a tortilla with romaine, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan.

15. Buffalo Fried Chicken Sliders

Hot sauce-coated fried chicken on mini buns with blue cheese or ranch dressing.

16. Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese Bowl

Comfort food at its finest—creamy mac and cheese topped with chunks of golden fried chicken.

17. Thai Fried Chicken (Gai Tod)

Infused with lemongrass, garlic, and coriander, this Thai-style fried chicken is uniquely delicious.

18. Fried Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches

Layer fried chicken between buttery biscuits with honey, hot sauce – maybe even an egg like Southern Cast Iron added!

19. Sweet Tea Brined Fried Chicken

A uniquely Southern twist—this chicken is brined in sweet tea for a subtle, aromatic sweetness.

20. Gluten-Free Fried Chicken

Made with a rice flour blend or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crispy coating that everyone can enjoy.

🛒 Tips for the Crispiest Fried Chicken:

• Always use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature (325–350°F is ideal).
• Let chicken rest on a wire rack—not paper towels—for maximum crunch.
• Season both the flour AND the chicken—layered flavor is key.
• Want extra crunch? Try cornstarch or crushed cornflakes in your dredge.

---

Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping, or simply craving a comfort food classic, these fried chicken recipes bring bold flavor and satisfying crunch to your table. Which one will you try first?

Let us know in the comments or tag us in your fried chicken creations!