Nothing Says Summer Like these 15+ Crispy, Fried Chicken Recipes to Try

Is it really summer without a plate of crispy, golden fried chicken? Whether you're planning a backyard picnic, a family cookout, or just craving some good old-fashioned comfort food, fried chicken is always a crowd-pleaser.

In this roundup, we’ve gathered the best fried chicken recipes—from classic buttermilk to spicy, oven-fried, and even my favorite Italian Fried Chicken Cutlets!

Italian Fried Chicken Cutlets

Italian Fried Chicken Cutlets are made with thin boneless, skinless chicken breasts, dipped in beaten eggs, two types of breadcrumbs, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The result is crispy, golden fried chicken that's ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Italian Fried Chicken Cutlets

Fried Chicken Cutlets - 30 Minute Recipe

Thin-sliced chicken breasts, coated in flour and fried until golden brown, make these Crispy Fried Chicken Cutlets tender and irresistible. This is one of my go-to chicken cutlet recipes for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Cutlets - 30 Minute Recipe

Get ready to dig in and discover your new favorite way to enjoy this timeless summer staple

Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

Golden-brown chicken with a perfectly seasoned, crispy crust and tender, juicy meat inside - just like the Sunday special that keeps folks coming back to Cracker Barrel.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

KFC Fried Chicken

You can make KFC Fried Chicken at home with this easy copycat recipe. Get the secret seasoning mix that tastes like KFC's 11 herbs and spices.
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken

Brined Smoked and Fried Chicken

This brined, smoked, and fried chicken combines juicy brining, savory smoking, and crispy frying techniques. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe offers tender meat with a flavorful, crunchy coating that elevates classic fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Brined Smoked and Fried Chicken

Breaded Smoked and Fried Chicken Wings

These chicken wings combine the best of smoking and frying techniques for maximum flavor and texture. They are breaded, smoked, then fried to achieve crispy skin and a smoky, juicy interior, perfect for game day or casual meals.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Smoked and Fried Chicken Wings

Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken Breast

Juicy chicken breasts in a crispy, well-seasoned coating, topped with creamy sawmill gravy - this copycat brings Cracker Barrel's comfort food classic right to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken Breast

Pan Fried Chicken Legs

Delight in the savory goodness of pan-fried chicken legs, featuring succulent chicken legs seasoned with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, pan-fried to golden perfection for a crispy exterior and juicy interior that's sure to please the whole family. This easy-to-make recipe promises chicken legs with a deliciously crispy skin and tender meat, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Pan Fried Chicken Legs

Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken

This recipe combines the comfort of buttermilk fried chicken with the unique taste of smoking, offering a deliciously crispy and smoky dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Traeger Smoked and Fried Chicken Wings

Traeger Smoked and Fried Chicken Wings combine the best of both worlds with a smoky flavor from the Traeger grill and a crispy finish from frying. These wings are perfect for gatherings, offering a delicious, flavorful snack that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked and Fried Chicken Wings

Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

This isn't just another chicken and waffles recipe – our brining secret makes the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken you've ever tasted. The special waffle batter has become so popular, our readers are using it for regular breakfast waffles too.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

Goat Cheese Fried Chicken with Cherry Sauce

This goat cheese fried chicken with cherry tarragon sauce is crispy on the outside with a creamy goat cheese sauce and topped with tarragon tart cherries.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Fried Chicken with Cherry Sauce

Fried Chicken Tacos

Crispy fried chicken tacos mesh Southern comfort food with a delicious Mexican twist.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Tacos