As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Preparing your favorite fast-food dishes at home can be a joyous and fulfilling adventure. This guide will help you recreate the infamous Church’s Fried Chicken Recipe – a crisp, succulent treat that’s been loved by millions worldwide. From the unique spice blend to the satisfying crunch, we’ll go through every step in detail, providing tips and tricks along the way. Not to forget about the integral part of the process: the marination, which ensures every bite is as flavorsome as the last.
Church’s Fried Chicken Recipe Time & Equipment:
Time Required:
Preparation Time: 10 mins Marination Time: 30 mins to overnight Cooking Time: 20 mins per batch Total Time: 30 mins – 1 hr (excluding marination)
Equipment Needed:
- Large Bowl for marination
- Another Bowl for the dry coating Deep Fryer or Deep Pan
- Meat Thermometer
- Whisk
- Slotted Spoon
- Cooling Rack or Paper Towels
- Cling film or Cover for the marination bowl
Keep in mind health and safety precautions when handling hot oil and raw chicken. Always wash your hands and utensils before and after working with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination. Enjoy your cooking experience!
The Ingredients

For the Crisp Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 8 chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- Salt to taste
Marination
Start with marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, hot sauce, and some salt. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but ideally overnight. This step is vital to tenderize the chicken and let the flavors seep gradually into the meat.
Preparation of the Crisp Coating
While your chicken is marinating, it’s time to prep the dry mix. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture is what will give the chicken its signature crispy and flavorful skin.
Cooking Procedure

Preheat your oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Retrieve your marinated chicken from the refrigerator. One by one, coat the chicken pieces in the dry mix, ensuring a thorough coating on all sides. Shake off the excess flour and carefully drop each chicken piece into the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan as this can drop the temperature of the oil and result in an uneven cook. Fry each piece for approximately 10 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
To test for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. The chicken is done when the temperature reads 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestion

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil using a slotted spoon and set it onto a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. After a couple of minutes, your Church’s Fried Chicken recreation is ready to be served. It pairs well with creamy coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or fluffy biscuits, just like at Church’s.
But remember, the enjoyment of recreating a beloved dish at home isn’t only in the eating, but in the process of cooking, experimenting and tailoring it to your own preferences. Feel free to adjust the spice levels, experiment with different types of chicken cuts or even add in your own secret ingredient. After all, the kitchen is your realm, and these recipes are just blueprints waiting to be brought to life with your own personal flair.
Notes on Health and Caloric Intake
Fried chicken is high in proteins and B vitamins but is also high in calories and fats from the deep frying process. One large piece of fried chicken typically has around 300 to 400 calories. Moderation is key, so try to balance your meal with lots of vegetables and lighter side dishes.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try air frying the chicken. This method can considerably lower fat and calorie content while still retaining a deliciously crispy outer layer.
Conclusion
There you have it; a step-by-step guide to recreate the famous Church’s Fried Chicken at home. Armed with these tips and techniques, you can now make mouthwateringly crispy fried chicken whenever cravings hit.
Remember, cooking at home allows you to have control over the ingredients and portions you use, not to mention a satisfaction that’s unique to home-cooked meals. It’s also a fantastic way to bond with family or entertain friends, turning a meal into a fun and heartwarming experience. Whether this is your first time making fried chicken from scratch, or if you’re a seasoned cook on the lookout for a new recipe, we hope you’ve found our guide helpful.
Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy both the journey and the destination. Have fun while cooking and enjoy your delicious home-cooked Church’s Fried Chicken. Now, don’t wait any longer, your culinary adventure awaits!
Church’s Fried Chicken Recipe FAQs:
Here are some frequently asked questions about recreating the Church’s Fried Chicken recipe:
Yes, you absolutely can. However, keep in mind that boneless pieces may cook faster than bone-in chicken. Make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a common substitute is to mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes before use. This won’t match the exact tanginess of buttermilk but is a close enough replacement for the marination process.
Absolutely. You can opt to bake or air fry the chicken. If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked inside and golden brown on the outside. If air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry for about 30 minutes, or until crispy and fully cooked.
To store leftover fried chicken, let it cool completely at room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 3-4 days for best results. To reheat, warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. It’s best to avoid using the microwave for reheating as this can make the chicken soggy.
Yes, fried chicken can be frozen. Again , ensure it is completely cooled before freezing. Place the pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container, trying to remove as much air as possible before sealing it. Frozen fried chicken can last up to 4 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through.
Leave a Reply