Five Tips to Make Tasty Homemade Fried Chicken That Beats Any Takeaway for Less

There’s nothing quite like biting into a piece of crispy, flavourful fried chicken. While takeaway chicken might seem like the easiest option, it can be expensive, and making it at home is not only cheaper but also allows you to control the ingredients for a healthier, tastier result. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing a meal for a loved one, these simple tips will help you create the perfect homemade fried chicken. CarersCardUK shares five budget-friendly tricks to ensure your homemade fried chicken is just as good—if not better—than any takeaway.

Five Tips to Make Tasty Homemade Fried Chicken That Beats Any Takeaway for Less

1. Choose the Right Chicken for Maximum Flavour

One of the biggest advantages of making fried chicken at home is that you can choose the best cuts for both flavour and affordability. While takeaway fried chicken is often made using expensive cuts, you can save money by buying whole chickens or budget-friendly pieces.

Best Chicken Cuts for Fried Chicken:

  • Thighs and Drumsticks: These cuts are more flavourful and juicier than chicken breast, and they are often cheaper.
  • Wings: Perfect for crispy, snack-sized pieces that cook quickly and taste delicious.
  • Whole Chicken: Buying a whole chicken and cutting it into pieces is often the most cost-effective option.

Tip: If you’re on a budget, check for supermarket deals on family packs of chicken, which often offer better value than smaller packs.

2. Use a Buttermilk Marinade for Extra Tenderness

The secret to juicy, tender fried chicken is a good marinade. Soaking chicken in buttermilk before frying helps to break down the proteins, making the meat incredibly tender while adding extra flavour.

How to Make a Buttermilk Marinade:

  • Mix 250ml buttermilk (or 200ml milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice) in a bowl.
  • Add 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp paprika for extra flavour.
  • Submerge the chicken pieces and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).

Tip: If you’re short on time, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to get some of the benefits.

3. Get the Perfect Crispy Coating with Seasoned Flour

A great fried chicken coating should be crispy and full of flavour. The trick is to season the flour properly and ensure the coating sticks well to the chicken.

Homemade Seasoned Flour Mix:

  • 250g plain flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)

How to Coat the Chicken:

  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off.
  • Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing the flour onto the surface for a good coating.
  • For extra crunch, dip the floured chicken back into buttermilk and coat with flour again.

Tip: Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying—this helps the coating stick better.

4. Fry at the Right Temperature for Even Cooking

One of the most common mistakes when frying chicken is cooking at the wrong temperature. Too hot, and the outside burns while the inside remains raw. Too low, and the chicken absorbs too much oil, making it greasy.

Best Temperature for Frying Chicken:

  • Heat the oil to 170–180°C (use a thermometer if possible).
  • Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding, which lowers the oil temperature.
  • Cook each piece for about 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally.
  • Drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.

Tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil—if it turns golden in 60 seconds, the oil is ready.

5. Add a Final Flavour Boost with a Simple Glaze or Seasoning

For that extra special touch, you can add a final seasoning or glaze to your fried chicken to make it taste even better.

Options for Extra Flavour:

  • Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey over hot fried chicken adds a delicious sweet contrast to the crispy coating.
  • Spicy Butter Glaze: Mix melted butter with a pinch of cayenne pepper and brush over the chicken for a mild kick.
  • Extra Seasoning: Sprinkle a little extra salt, pepper, or smoked paprika immediately after frying for added depth.

Tip: Serve your fried chicken with a homemade dipping sauce like garlic mayo or spicy ketchup for an even tastier experience.

Summary and Key Takeaways

  • Choose budget-friendly cuts like thighs, drumsticks, or whole chickens for better value.
  • Marinate chicken in buttermilk for tenderness and flavour.
  • Use a well-seasoned flour mix and double coat for extra crispiness.
  • Fry at the correct temperature (170–180°C) to ensure crispy and evenly cooked chicken.
  • Enhance flavour with a honey drizzle, butter glaze, or final seasoning.

Making homemade fried chicken that beats any takeaway is easier than you think. With these simple, budget-friendly tips, carers can enjoy delicious, crispy chicken at home for a fraction of the price. For more money-saving meal ideas, visit CarersCardUK.



Posted: 06/09/2025

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