Best Fried Chicken Recipe (Tavern Style!)

Tavern Fried Chicken Recipe – Our Best Fried Chicken is made northern-style, without buttermilk, for a light crispy skin and incredibly juicy meat. Your family will love this delicious fried chicken recipe from the Yankee states!

A Fried Chicken Recipe From the North

Lt. Dan’s grandma was one of my all-time favorite people… We called her Mo.

She had strong political views, yet grace to listen to the opinions of those around her. She had a natural flair in the kitchen and china place settings for thirty. Yet best of all, Mo had a generous heart and contagious raspy laugh.

I miss her.

Several years before Mo passed away, she visited us in Asheville for the last time. One night, we had a grand conversation around our dining table, babbling on about funny family anecdotes, travel, and recipes.

Many years ago, Mo and Papa used to own a tavern in Northern Indiana, right on the border of Michigan.

Along with beer and basic cocktails, they served an assortment of what I would consider very “Northern” snacks and dishes: Pub cheese and crackers, frog legs, burgers, Hungarian goulash, chicken and rice soup, and best of all, Tavern Fried Chicken.

Extra Crispy Fried Chicken

Coming from the (lower) midwest, and now living in the south, I had never heard of, or tasted, Tavern-style Fried Chicken.

That night, Mo described her recipe in great detail…

Instead of breading the chicken in the 3-step flour-buttermilk-flour method most southern cooks use, she dunked her chicken in a dredge that was heavy on cornstarch. Then she dunked the chicken in pure egg whites right before dropping it into the hot oil.

Mo explained that this method makes a lighter, crispier crust on the chicken that is more delicate than the thicker knobby breading on traditional southern fried chicken.

Northern Fried Chicken Vs Southern Fried Chicken

Although I love Mo’s best fried chicken recipe, with its thin and airy crust, after making it myself I did find some pros and cons, when comparing it to classic southern buttermilk fried chicken.

Northern Fried Chicken

• Pro: This fried chicken has an ethereal crunchy coating that is well seasoned, yet does a better job of showing off the chicken inside, than traditional southern fried chicken.
• Con: Because the crust is so light and airy, it does not hold up as long as southern fried chicken. That means it’s not a great make-ahead dish. You should eat it right away.

Southern Fried Chicken

• Pro: Southern fried chicken tends to have a slightly thicker, denser crust that can hold in moisture longer. Therefore, this is a better recipe for prep-ahead parties and picnics.
• Con: Southern fried chicken is often all about the crust, so the chicken inside is overshadowed by the crunch and seasoning.

Mo’s Best Fried Chicken Recipe

Want to know how to fry chicken, Mo’s way?

Mo explained that the combination of the cornstarch and egg whites makes the coating puff up and fill with tiny air bubbles when it first hits the hot oil. Then it compresses slightly and turns very crispy as it continues to cook.

After making Mo’s BEST Fried Chicken Recipe to her specifications, I found I love the crust and the overall flavor of the fried chicken… Especially when you take the time to brine the chicken beforehand, as Mo instructed.

Deep Fried Chicken Batter Ingredients

• Bone-In Chicken Pieces – I like to use chicken legs and thighs.
• Salt – For the brine and the breading.
• Cornstarch – The coating should be heavier on cornstarch than flour, so it’s extra light.
• All-Purpose Flour – You can swap gluten-free baking mix if needed.
• Paprika – I am obsessed with smoked paprika, but you can use sweet paprika or hot paprika if you like.
• Garlic Powder – For a bold zesty pop of flavor.
• Onion Powder – For even more zesty flavor.
• Black Pepper & Cayenne Pepper – To add a little heat.
• Egg Whites – To make the crust puff up.
• Peanut Oil – For frying. You can also use lard, tallow, vegetable shortening, or another high-heat oil.

How To Make Fried Chicken

1. Brine the Chicken. Soaking the chicken in salty water for 1-2 hours greatly enhances the taste and texture.
2. Dry the Chicken. Set the chicken on a wire rack to dry. It must be thoroughly dry before frying.
3. Make the Coating. Mix the cornstarch and spice mixture in one bowl. Then beat the egg whites in another bowl.
4. Prep the Oven. Preheat the oven to low heat to act as a warming drawer.
5. Prep the Fry Oil. Place a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Attach a cooking thermometer to the side of the pan. Pour the oil into the pan and wait until it reaches 360 degrees F.
6. Dredge the Chicken. Dunk the chicken in the cornstarch mix and then immediately into the egg whites.
7. Fry the Chicken. Fry the chicken in the hot oil for 14-15 minutes, flipping the pieces with tongs every couple of minutes.
8. Keep Warm. If working in batches, move the fried chicken to the warm oven, until all the chicken is cooked.

Get The Full (Printable) Mo’s Extra Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe Below. Enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does This Recipe Last?

If you do have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a baking sheet in the oven for several minutes to slightly crisp up the skin; I do not recommend using a microwave to heat.

Is Tavern Fried Chicken A Good Make-Ahead Recipe?

No, not really. I mean, it will still taste good several days later, but there’s nothing quite like fried chicken fresh out of the hot oil.

The crust on Northern Fried Chicken is thinner than the crust on Southern Fried Chicken, so it doesn’t hold up to the juicy chicken inside quite as long.

Can I Make This Best Fried Chicken Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can, and it’s REALLY good!

Make sure the cornstarch you buy is pure corn (no additives) and then substitute Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Mix for the all-purpose flour.

How Important Is Fried Chicken Brine… Can I Skip The Brine?

Yes, technically you can skip the brine. However, brining poultry gives it the best flavor and increases the juiciness of the meat significantly. It’s worth the extra time!

If you do skip this step of our Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe, make sure to salt the chicken before rolling it in the cornstarch mixture.

Do I Have To Check The Internal Temperature Of The Fried Chicken?

No. That’s the beauty of using a cooking thermometer in the oil.

If you have your oil at the right temperature and cook the chicken for at least 14 minutes, it will be fully cooked on the inside.

How Long Does It Take To Fry Whole Bone-In Chicken Breasts?

Believe it or not, the breasts will fry in the same amount of time as the drumsticks (legs) and thighs. They just usually take up a lot more room in the pan.

What Do I Do With The Leftover Oil?

Once the oil has cooled to room temperature, what should you do with it?

Old-timers would tell you to strain the oil with cheesecloth to remove any debris. Then pour it back into its original bottle and refrigerate for later use. You can reuse fry oil 3-4 times before it should be discarded.

However, if you want to discard the oil right away, wait until it’s fully cooled. Then pour it back into its original bottle, place the cap back on, and throw it away.

• Do not ever pour oil down your sink!
• Do not try to pour it into a container while it’s still hot.
• And it’s not a good idea to pour it into your compost pile. The oil will attract all kinds of pests.

Looking for More Family Inspired Recipes?

• Nana’s Epic Ham Bone Navy Bean Soup
• Mom’s Best Pot Roast Recipe
• How To Make The BEST Potato Salad
• Hungarian Chicken Paprikash
• Homemade Lasagna with Sausage
• Skillet Turkey Pot Pie
• Grandma’s Corn Pudding Recipe

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