🍗 Fried Chicken with Creamy Mashed Potatoes 🥔
Golden, crispy fried chicken served with buttery, creamy mashed potatoes — this comforting duo never goes out of style. Here’s a classic, foolproof recipe that delivers crisp skin, juicy chicken, and smooth, flavorful potatoes every time.
📋 Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 6 bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds (about 4 large) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk (warm)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Pour over the buttermilk, cover, and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
🔸 Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to help the coating stick.
🔸 Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches, 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.
🔸 Step 4: Make the Mashed Potatoes
- While chicken rests, boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
- Drain and return to pot. Add butter, warm cream or milk, and garlic powder (if using).
- Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
🍽 Serving Tips
- Plate the fried chicken over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes.
- Add a drizzle of gravy, a side of steamed green beans, or a spoonful of corn for a full comfort meal.
💡 Pro Tips
- Cornstarch and baking powder make the crust extra light and crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
- For fluffier mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or mix gently with a hand mixer.