Golden Crunch Fried Chicken: Proper Pub Grub
Learn how to make crispy fried chicken like your favourite pub! This recipe is ridiculously crunchy and juicy. Best Fried Chicken Recipe without buttermilk! Get the secret now.

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to make crispy fried chicken that rivals your favourite takeaway? Honestly, who hasn’t dreamt of achieving that golden, crunchy perfection at home? This recipe nails that proper pub-grub experience, without the queues and dodgy chips!
Brief Overview
This best fried chicken recipe crispy without buttermilk is inspired by classic southern comfort food. it doesn't need buttermilk! this recipe is moderately tricky and takes about 2 hours 50 minutes, including brining time.
Serves 4-6 hungry souls. get ready for a culinary adventure!
Main Benefits
One of the best benefits? you control the ingredients! this easy fried chicken recipe without buttermilk is special because of its intense flavour and incredibly crunchy coating, thanks to the double-dredge method.
This fried chicken recipe no buttermilk will knock your socks off. perfect for family gatherings or a cracking sunday lunch.
Ready to ditch the bland and embrace the crunch? Our journey begins with a simple brine. This step infuses the chicken with flavour and helps it stay juicy during frying.
We're talking about juicy chicken and a golden, crispy crust. don't worry if you don't have buttermilk. i get it, sometimes you just want easy fried chicken .
This recipe delivers without any fuss.
Next up, we'll tackle the double-dredge technique. This is the secret to achieving that seriously satisfying crunch that everyone craves. Trust me, it's worth the effort.
Right then, let’s dive into the secrets behind how to make crispy fried chicken. this ain't just any fried chicken recipe no buttermilk ; it's about nailing that golden crunch.
Honestly, getting the ingredients right is half the battle.
Golden Crunch Fried Chicken: Proper Pub Grub Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 4 cups (950ml) Water
- 1/4 cup (50g) Kosher Salt
- 1/4 cup (50g) Granulated Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Black Peppercorns, crushed
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce (e.g., Tabasco), optional
- 6-8 pieces bone-in, skin-on Chicken (thighs, drumsticks, breasts)
- 2 cups (240g) All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup (60g) Cornstarch (Cornflour in the UK)
- 2 tablespoons Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a kick)
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Milk
- Vegetable Oil or Peanut Oil, for frying (at least 4 cups/950ml)
🥄 Instructions:
- Brine the Chicken: Combine brine ingredients in a bowl. Submerge chicken in the brine, ensuring it’s fully covered. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours.
- Prepare the Dredge: In a shallow dish, whisk together all dredge ingredients until well combined.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Double-Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Dip each piece in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and then back into the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres. Allow chicken to rest on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat to 325°F (160°C).
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Maintain the oil temperature at 300-325°F (150-160°C). Fry for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Rest: Remove chicken from the oil and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
- Water: 4 cups (950ml) - For the brine, tap water will do, mate.
- Kosher Salt: 1/4 cup (50g) - Don't skimp. This is the flavour base.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) - Balances the salt, adds a touch of sweetness.
- Black Peppercorns: 1 tablespoon , crushed - Freshly crushed is key for a punch.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced - Adds a bit of zing.
- Hot Sauce: 1 teaspoon (optional) - For a little kick.
- Chicken: 6-8 pieces , bone-in, skin-on - This is the star, innit? If you can get good quality, free-range chicken, even better.
Seasoning Notes
The magic is in the spice blend! paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper and maybe a touch of cayenne if you are feeling spicy.
This is similar to popeyes spicy chicken recipe , but we're making it our own. a secret weapon? a pinch of smoked paprika.
Honestly, it changes everything.
Don't have thyme? rosemary or sage will do in a pinch. if you like a more easy fried chicken recipe without buttermilk use just salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
You can still have best fried chicken recipe crispy without buttermilk .
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy kit for proper fried chicken. a big bowl for brining, some shallow dishes for dredging, a big pot or dutch oven for frying and most importantly, a deep-fry thermometer .
Seriously, get one. this is important if you want to make best fried chicken recipe .
No thermometer? a wooden spoon can help. dip the handle into the oil. if bubbles form rapidly around it, it's hot enough.
A wire rack helps keep the chicken crispy after frying. it's that easy.

Right then, let’s get cracking on this crispy fried chicken masterpiece! this outline is designed to be a right proper foundation for the full recipe.
Think of it as the backbone to a cracking sunday roast – essential!
Golden Crunch Fried Chicken: Proper Pub Grub at Home
Crispy fried chicken is a timeless classic. it's all about that perfect balance. you know, juicy, tender meat with a ridiculously crunchy, golden crust.
This recipe is inspired by the best pub fare. it delivers all the flavour and satisfaction you crave. forget soggy bottom blues – this chicken is a winner! wanna know how to make crispy fried chicken? let's get to it!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place . get all your ingredients measured and prepped. chop your garlic, crush your peppercorns – the whole shebang.
Having everything ready to go makes the whole process smoother than a pint of guinness.
Time-saving organization tips . Batching things is where it’s at, folks. I usually prepare the brine the night before. That way, the chicken gets a good soak.
Safety reminders . Remember, we're dealing with hot oil here! Keep a close eye on it and never leave it unattended. Got it? Good!
The Step-by-Step: Frying Like a Pro
- Brine the Chicken: In a bowl, combine 4 cups (950ml) water, 1/4 cup (50g) kosher salt, 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon crushed black peppercorns, 2 minced garlic cloves, and optionally, 1 teaspoon hot sauce. Submerge the chicken in the brine. Make sure it’s fully covered, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours , or up to 4 hours .
- Prepare the Dredge: In a shallow dish, whisk together 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and optionally, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup (60ml) milk.
- Double-Dredge the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Then, dunk it in the egg wash, and then back in the flour mixture. Allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack for 15 minutes .
- Heat the Oil: Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat to 325° F ( 160° C) .
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, without overcrowding. Maintain the oil temperature at 300- 325° F (150- 160° C) . Fry for 6- 8 minutes per side. Cook until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Drain and Rest: Remove the chicken from the oil. Place it on a wire rack to drain. Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips: Secrets From My Kitchen
Expert techniques . Double-dredging is the key to that extra crispy crust. Trust me on this one!
Common mistakes to avoid . Don't overcrowd the pot. Seriously. It drops the oil temperature, and you'll end up with soggy chicken.
Make-ahead options . You can prepare the Fried Chicken Recipe No Buttermilk and the dredge in advance, which can save time the day you want to fry.
Now you know how to make crispy fried chicken! Enjoy your Best Fried Chicken Recipe Crispy Without Buttermilk!
Right, let's talk about some extra bits and bobs for this Golden Crunch Fried Chicken Recipe adventure. We want it spot on, don't we?
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions – Plating Like a Pro
Honestly, presentation matters. slap that best fried chicken recipe onto a plate, next to a dollop of creamy coleslaw. maybe even a pickle spear.
For that pub-grub vibe, chuck it in a basket lined with greaseproof paper. and don't forget the bevvy! a nice cold pint or a refreshing lemonade is just the ticket.
You know, that little something something to create the vibe. it's perfect, right?
Storage Tips – Keepin' It Fresh
Got leftovers? rare, but it happens. pop that easy fried chicken into an airtight container and bung it in the fridge.
It'll be good for about 3 days, tops. for reheating, i reckon an oven is best. keeps it a bit crispier than the microwave.
For freezing, it's a bit trickier and not really advisable, but if you must, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for no more than a month.
To reheat from frozen, bake in a moderate oven until heated through. this may also affect the crispiness of your buttermilk oven fried chicken .
Variations – Mix It Up!
Feeling adventurous? Let's jazz things up.
- Dietary Adaptation: For a lighter version of this Fried Chicken Recipe No Buttermilk , try baking instead of frying. Coat the chicken as usual and bake in a hot oven until cooked through. It won't be quite the same, but still pretty darn tasty. You can find some easy fried chicken recipe without buttermilk variations online.
- Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, serve with a fresh corn and tomato salad. In the autumn, try a side of roasted root vegetables. Get creative with your sides and match the time of the year.
Nutrition Basics – A Little Bit of Knowledge
Ok, let's be real: this is fried chicken , it's not a salad. that said, chicken is a good source of protein, which is important.
The key here is moderation. enjoy it as a treat. remember that all nutrition data is just an estimate , you know?
Right then, get in the kitchen, give this a go, and you'll learn how to make crispy fried chicken in no time.
This popeyes fried chicken inspired recipe will impress your family and friends, and who knows, you might even develop your popeyes spicy chicken recipe twist!.
Go on, give it a try. you got this.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make crispy fried chicken that isn't greasy?
Nobody wants a chip-shop fryer experience at home! To avoid greasy fried chicken, make sure your oil temperature is consistent, ideally between 300-325°F (150-160°C). Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy, oily chicken. Use a thermometer, fry in batches, and let the cooked chicken drain on a wire rack to remove excess oil. Nobody wants a soggy bottom, right?
Why is my fried chicken not crispy, even though I followed the recipe?
Ah, the eternal quest for that perfect crunch! Several factors can affect crispiness. Firstly, ensure your chicken is completely dry before dredging; moisture is the enemy! Secondly, the double-dredging is key – it creates a thicker, sturdier crust. Lastly, don't fiddle with the chicken too much while it's frying; let it do its thing undisturbed, like a good cuppa brewing.
How to make crispy fried chicken with evenly cooked meat?
Achieving that golden-brown exterior while ensuring the inside is cooked through is the holy grail of fried chicken. Marinating or brining the chicken beforehand helps it retain moisture and cook more evenly. Using bone-in, skin-on pieces also helps insulate the meat. Most importantly, maintain a consistent oil temperature. If the outside is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to allow the inside to catch up.
Can I use an air fryer to make crispy fried chicken, and how would I adjust the recipe?
Absolutely! An air fryer is a great, healthier alternative. You'll still want to brine or marinate your chicken and follow the dredging process. Lightly spray the dredged chicken with oil before placing it in the air fryer basket. Cook at around 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The result won't be quite as authentically "fried" as the original, but it's still delicious and a bit less naughty. The air fryer is a bit like having a cheeky Nandos at home!
How long can I store leftover crispy fried chicken and how do I reheat it to maintain crispness?
Leftover fried chicken is a treat, but it can lose its crispness quickly. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method is to bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat it in an air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave; it'll turn your crispy chicken into a soggy mess – a fate worse than finding out there's no biscuits in the cupboard!
I'm looking for variations. Are there any other flavour combos I can add in when considering how to make crispy fried chicken?
Crikey, where do we start! The beauty of fried chicken is its versatility. You could try adding a touch of smoked paprika to your flour mix for a BBQ-style flavour. Or perhaps some lemon pepper seasoning, or a spicy kick from some chilli flakes. Get creative with your spice mix, like a culinary Banksy! Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect signature fried chicken. You could even add different types of pepper or herbs!
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