Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBud & Marilyn'sMarilyn's Fried Chicken Recipe

Marilyn's Fried Chicken Recipe

Inspired by Bud & Marilyn's
Time2h
Serves4

crispy half chicken, french fries, ranch, dill pickles, pickled carrot slaw

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Ingredients

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Chicken

Pickled Carrot Slaw

Dill Pickles

Method

Chicken

  1. 1

    Prepare the Chicken

    Rinse the halved chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Marinate

    Soak the chicken halves in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.

  3. 3

    Prepare the Coating

    In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

  4. 4

    Dredge the Chicken

    Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off excess flour.

  5. 5

    Fry the Chicken

    In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken, skin-side down. Fry for about 12-15 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

  6. 6

    Drain

    Remove chicken from oil and let drain on paper towels.

French Fries

  1. 7

    Prepare the Potatoes

    Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into thin strips for fries.

  2. 8

    Soak the Potatoes

    Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat dry.

  3. 9

    Fry the Potatoes

    In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potatoes in batches for about 4-5 minutes until crispy and golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.

  4. 10

    Season

    Sprinkle with salt while still hot.

Ranch Dressing

  1. 11

    Mix the Ingredients

    In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

  2. 12

    Whisk Together

    Whisk until smooth and well combined.

  3. 13

    Chill

    Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Pickled Carrot Slaw

  1. 14

    Prepare the Carrots

    Julienne the carrots into thin strips.

  2. 15

    Make the Pickling Liquid

    In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

  3. 16

    Pickle the Carrots

    Place the julienned carrots in a jar and pour the hot pickling liquid over them. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Dill Pickles

  1. 17

    Serve

    Open the jar of dill pickles and serve alongside the fried chicken and fries.

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