There’s something special about biting into perfectly crispy fried chicken—a golden, crunchy coating giving way to juicy, tender meat. This 12 Tomatoes crispy fried chicken recipe has been my favorite for years, and I’m excited to share it with you! For more crispy chicken goodness, try our gluten-free chicken tenders, baked chicken cutlets, or 1800s fried chicken.

The secret to this recipe lies in the double-coating technique that creates an irresistibly crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. This low-carb chicken tenders recipe is my go-to for a quick dinner fix when I want to impress with delicious chicken fingers and perfect fried chicken without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You'll Love

Extra-crispy coating that stays crunchy even when the chicken cools down
Perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices that create an unforgettable flavor profile
Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making this an accessible recipe for any day of the week

Golden brown crispy fried chicken pieces on a black slate plate, served with a bowl of ketchup and fresh tomatoes in the background.

Recipe Ingredients

This 12 tomatoes crispy fried chicken recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create something extraordinary:

All-purpose flour
Garlic salt
Paprika
Black pepper
Poultry seasoning
Eggs
Water
Salt
Whole chicken, cut into pieces
Oil for frying

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredients Notes

Flour quality matters - I recommend using a good quality all-purpose flour for the best coating texture. The divided flour portions are crucial - one for the seasoned coating and one for the egg mixture.
Fresh spices make a difference - If your spices have been sitting in the cabinet for years, consider refreshing them. Fresh spices provide much more vibrant flavor to your 12 tomatoes crispy fried chicken recipe.
Chicken selection - While the recipe calls for broiler/fryer chickens cut up, you can also use your favorite chicken parts (thighs, drumsticks, breasts) based on your preference.

How to Make 12 Tomatoes Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

Follow these simple steps for perfect fried chicken every time! For the complete, printable recipe with exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of this post.

Crispy, golden fried chicken pieces stacked on a black plate, served with a side of ketchup on a marble countertop.

Prepare your stations - Set up your dredging station with two shallow dishes: one for the seasoned flour mixture and one for the egg mixture.
Mix the seasoned flour - In the first dish, combine 2-⅔ cups flour with garlic salt, paprika, 2-½ teaspoons pepper, and poultry seasoning.
Prepare the egg mixture - In the second dish, beat eggs with water, then add salt and the remaining 1-⅓ cups flour and ½ teaspoon pepper.
Dredge the chicken - Dip each chicken piece first in the egg mixture, coating completely.
Coat with seasoned flour - Transfer the egg-coated chicken to the seasoned flour mixture, turning to coat thoroughly.
Heat the oil - In a deep-fat fryer or heavy pot, heat oil to 375°F.
Fry in batches - Carefully add several pieces of chicken to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd.
Cook until golden - Fry for 7-8 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and juices run clear.
Drain and rest - Remove chicken and drain on paper towels before serving.

Pro Tips

For the crispiest chicken ever, let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to adhere better to the chicken and results in a more even, crunchier exterior. It's so simple, even a beginner can nail it if you follow this crucial step!

Close-up of crunchy, deep-fried chicken pieces with a crispy coating, garnished with rosemary and served with ketchup.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration - Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Avoid stacking pieces to maintain crispiness.
Freezing - This 12 tomatoes crispy fried chicken recipe freezes beautifully! Place cooled chicken pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating - For the crispiest results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make the coating soggy.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick
Include 1 tablespoon of dried herbs like thyme or oregano for an aromatic twist
Mix in 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to the flour coating for extra flavor

Substitutions:

Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version
Substitute buttermilk for the water in the egg mixture for tangy, tender chicken
Use chicken tenders instead of whole chicken pieces for faster cooking time
Swap the deep-frying for air-frying at 375°F for 12-15 minutes for a lighter option

FAQs about this 12 Tomatoes Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

What is the trick to getting crispy chicken?

The double-dredging method (egg mixture then flour) creates extra crispiness, and maintaining proper oil temperature (375°F) ensures the coating gets crispy without absorbing excess oil.

What is the secret to keeping fried chicken crispy?

Allow the fried chicken to drain and cool on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent steam from softening the coating, and serve immediately for maximum crispiness.

How do restaurants get fried chicken so crispy?

Restaurants often use a pressure fryer which cooks chicken faster while sealing in moisture. At home, letting the coated chicken rest before frying and maintaining consistent oil temperature achieves similar results.

What Can I Serve with this 12 Tomatoes Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe?

This 12 tomatoes crispy fried chicken recipe pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or mac and cheese. For a lighter meal, serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

If you try this recipe, I'd be thrilled to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me in your crispy chicken photos on social media. Your feedback helps me create even better recipes for you!

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