Spicy Fried Chicken

Servings: 3 Total Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner
Fried Chicken pinit
Ever wanted homemade crispy fried chicken that tastes like KFC?
This Spicy Fried Chicken recipe gives you exactly that: crunchy outside, juicy inside, and packed with bold masala flavor in every bite.
And the best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or secret ingredients. Just a good marinade, proper coating, and the right frying technique.

Why This Fried Chicken Recipe Works So Well

Fried chicken is loved worldwide, but homemade versions often turn out dry or lose crispiness quickly. This method fixes both problems.
The egg-based marinade keeps chicken moist, while the seasoned flour coating creates that signature crunchy crust.

What makes this recipe a winner:

  • Crispy outside, juicy inside
  • Simple pantry spices
  • Perfect party or weekend snack
  • Kid and adult favorite
  • Restaurant-style results at home
If you love spicy, crunchy chicken without complicated steps, this recipe becomes a regular favorite.

Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken Legs: Chicken legs stay juicy while frying and absorb marinade deeply, especially when you make slits.
Marinade Masala: The spice mix gives:
  • Heat from chilli and pepper
  • Earthy depth from cumin & coriander
  • Aroma from garam masala
  • Juiciness from egg coating
Seasoned Flour Coating: The flour coating creates:
  • Crispy outer shell
  • Light, crunchy texture
  • Proper spice coverage

How the Spicy Fried Chicken Comes Together

You begin by cleaning the chicken legs and making deep slits so the marinade reaches inside. Then eggs and spices are mixed and coated thoroughly over the chicken, allowing flavors to soak in while also helping the flour stick later.
Once marinated, each piece is rolled generously in seasoned flour, pressing slightly so the coating sticks well. This step creates those classic crispy ridges when fried.
Chicken is then fried slowly on medium-low heat. Cooking slowly ensures the inside cooks fully while the outside turns golden and crisp without burning.
Once fried, draining on paper towels keeps the crust crisp and non-greasy.
The result? Crunchy, spicy fried chicken that stays juicy and flavorful inside.

💡 Pro Tip: After coating, rest the chicken for 30 minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick better and fry crispier.

Problems This Recipe Solves

  • Soggy homemade fried chicken
  • Dry chicken after frying
  • Bland coating
  • Fast-food dependency cravings

Diet-Friendly Tweaks

  • Air Fryer Version: Spray-coated chicken lightly with oil and air fry at 180°C for 20–25 minutes, flipping midway.
  • Extra Protein Version: Serve with boiled eggs or grilled vegetables.
  • Low-Spice Version: Reduce chilli powder and pepper for kids.

What Goes Along with Spicy Fried Chicken

Serve with:

For dinner platters, add:

How to Serve

Serve immediately after frying for the best crispiness. Garnish with chopped coriander or sprinkle chaat masala for extra punch.

Packing Tips for Parties & Gatherings

Fried chicken is party-perfect.

Tips for bulk serving:

  • Fry partially and refry just before serving
  • Keep warm in the oven, not in closed containers
  • Avoid stacking pieces

Common Pitfalls

  • Coating Falling Off: Occurs when the marinade is too watery or the coating is not pressed properly.
  • Chicken Raw Inside: Oil too hot cooks outside quickly but leaves inside undercooked.
  • Chicken Too Oily: Oil temperature too low causes coating to absorb oil.

How to Store Fried Chicken

How to Store Properly

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Avoid covering while hot to prevent sogginess.

How to Reheat Fried Chicken

  • Best Method: Reheat in oven or air fryer at 180°C for 6–8 minutes.
  • Microwave Method: Use the microwave only if needed; crispiness reduces.

Other Related Recipes You Might Like:-

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 40 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 1 hr
Servings: 3 Calories: 480
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This spicy fried chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold, comforting flavors. The chicken is marinated with simple spices, coated in seasoned flour, and fried until perfectly golden and crunchy. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe you can make at home for snacks, parties, or weekend meals. Serve it hot with your favorite dip, and watch it disappear fast!

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

Flour coating

Chicken marinade

Instructions

Prep Work

  1. Clean and Prepare Chicken

    Wash the chicken legs thoroughly and make slits so the marinade absorbs better.

  2. Prepare Marinade

    Whisk egg in a bowl and mix in salt, chilli powder, pepper, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and ginger garlic paste.
  3. Marinate Chicken

    Add the chicken to the marinade and coat evenly so all pieces are well covered, then allow it to rest for 30 minutes to marinate.
  4. Prepare Flour Coating

    Mix maida with chilli powder, salt, and pepper to make seasoned flour and transfer it to a plate for coating.

Method

  1. Coat Chicken

    Place each marinated chicken leg in the seasoned flour and coat completely on all sides.

  2. Heat Oil

    Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-low heat for frying.
  3. Fry in Batches

    Gently place coated chicken pieces into hot oil and fry in batches.
  4. Fry Until Crispy

    Deep-fry for at least 10 minutes until the chicken becomes golden brown, crispy outside, and juicy inside.
  5. Drain Excess Oil

    Remove fried chicken and drain excess oil.
  6. Serve Hot

    Serve hot as a snack or starter with ketchup or spicy mayo.

Equipment

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, i.e., when you buy any product using the links below, we get commissions. but it doesn’t cost you anything extra. If you do purchase any product using the given links, we thank you in advance!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 3


Amount Per Serving
Calories 480kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28g44%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 165mg56%
Sodium 620mg26%
Potassium 420mg12%
Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 1g
Protein 36g72%

Vitamin A 220 IU
Vitamin C 3 mg
Calcium 40 mg
Iron 2.5 mg
Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
Vitamin B12 0.6 mcg
Phosphorus 300 mg
Zinc 2.8 mg
Selenium 28 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Spicy fried chicken, KFC-style fried chicken recipe, Crispy fried chicken,
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pinit

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Why make slits in chicken?

Slits help marinade go deep into the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.

How long should chicken marinate?

At least 30 minutes works well, but longer gives a deeper flavor.

Can I marinate overnight?

Yes, overnight marination improves taste and tenderness.

Why coat chicken in flour?

Flour coating creates the crispy outer crust while frying.

Why fry on medium-low heat?

It cooks chicken fully inside without burning the coating.

How do I know chicken is cooked inside?

Juices run clear, and the coating becomes deep golden and crisp.

Why fry in batches?

Overcrowding drops oil temperature and makes chicken soggy.

How do I keep coating from falling off?

Press flour coating well and let coated chicken rest briefly before frying.

Can I reuse frying oil?

Yes, strain and reuse once or twice if oil is clean.

How do I keep chicken crispy longer?

Serve immediately or keep on a rack, not covered, to prevent steam softening.

What makes fried chicken crispy on the outside?

The combination of egg marinade and seasoned flour coating, along with frying on medium-low heat, creates a crunchy outer layer.

How do I keep fried chicken juicy inside?

Marinate the chicken well, make slits for absorption, and fry on medium-low heat so it cooks evenly without drying.

Can I make this fried chicken without egg?

Yes. You can replace egg with buttermilk or curd, but egg gives extra crispiness.

Is Kashmiri chilli powder necessary?

Kashmiri chilli powder adds color and mild heat. You can substitute regular chilli powder if needed.

How long should chicken be marinated?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Can I shallow fry instead of deep fry?

Yes, but deep frying gives the best even crisp texture. Shallow fry may take longer.

What oil is best for frying chicken?

Use oils with high smoke point like sunflower, peanut, or refined oil.

What can I serve with spicy fried chicken?

  • Tomato ketchup
  • Spicy mayo
  • Coleslaw
  • French fries
  • Lemon wedges

Is this fried chicken kid-friendly?

Yes. Reduce chilli powder and pepper for a milder version.

Can I reheat fried chicken?

Yes. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving.

Hema Subramanian
Hema Subramanian Food and Lifestyle Blogger

I love to cook! And through Home Cooking Show, I hope to make cooking fun, easy, and approachable for everyone.

My way of sharing recipes is all about keeping it simple and delicious—no complicated steps, no fancy ingredients, just real home-cooked food that anyone can make. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll find something here to inspire you. If you love good food made with love, then you’re in the right place!

- Hema Subramanian

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