Crisco Fried Chicken Recipe

Crisco Fried Chicken is a nostalgic, Southern-style classic known for its golden, crispy crust and juicy, flavorful meat. Fried in Crisco shortening, this old-fashioned method delivers a light, crunchy exterior while sealing in moisture, making every bite tender and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings back the authentic taste of home-cooked, Southern fried chicken the way grandma used to make it. Frying in Crisco creates that perfect crispiness without overwhelming greasiness. It’s a crowd-pleaser, great for family dinners, holidays, or Sunday suppers. Simple seasoning and traditional frying techniques make this a timeless dish.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, wings)
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Buttermilk (for marinating)
• Crisco shortening (enough for deep or shallow frying)

Optional: cayenne pepper or hot sauce for added spice

directions

this recipe

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
3. Heat Crisco shortening in a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need about 1 inch of shortening for shallow frying.
4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to coat.
5. Carefully place chicken in the hot Crisco. Do not overcrowd the pan.
6. Fry on each side for about 8–10 minutes (depending on size), turning once, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 to 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (excluding marinating)

Variations

• Add cayenne or hot sauce to the buttermilk for a spicy kick
• Use seasoned cornmeal mixed with flour for a Southern-style crust
• Try a double-dip method: dip in buttermilk, flour, then buttermilk again, and flour again for extra crunch
• Use Crisco butter-flavored shortening for a subtle buttery taste
• Swap in gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 15–20 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving—it softens the crust.
Fried chicken can be frozen. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat from thawed in the oven for best results.

FAQs

Why use Crisco for frying chicken?

Crisco shortening produces a crisp, even fry with less splatter and a neutral flavor that highlights the seasoning.

Can I use vegetable oil instead of Crisco?

Yes, but Crisco creates a traditional Southern texture and flavor that’s hard to beat.

Do I need to use buttermilk?

Yes, it tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick. You can use a mix of milk and vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

What’s the best chicken cut for frying?

Bone-in thighs and drumsticks work best, but any piece with skin and bone-in will yield great results.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

Use a thermometer to check for 350°F, or drop a bit of flour into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.

Can I make this without a deep fryer?

Absolutely. A heavy skillet or cast-iron pan works perfectly for shallow frying.

Why is my chicken not crispy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough, avoid overcrowding the pan, and let the chicken drain on a rack—not paper towels.

Can I season the flour differently?

Yes, customize with your favorite spices like Cajun seasoning, dried herbs, or even ranch mix.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Pat chicken dry before dredging and let it rest for 10–15 minutes after coating to help the crust stick.

What sides go well with Crisco fried chicken?

Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, mac and cheese, and green beans are all perfect Southern-style sides.

Conclusion

Crisco Fried Chicken is the definition of comfort food—crispy, juicy, and loaded with flavor. Using classic ingredients and a time-tested method, this recipe delivers everything you want in homemade fried chicken. Serve it hot, with your favorite sides, and enjoy a taste of true Southern tradition.

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