Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Chicken & Marinade
Breading
Dredge & Frying
Finishing & Serving
Method
Chicken & Marinade
Prepare chicken
Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and cut into 1 to 1 1/2-inch bite-sized cubes. Pat pieces dry with paper towels.
In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. The buttermilk tenderizes and seasons the chicken.
Breading
While the chicken marinates, combine flour, panko, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, dried oregano, 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a shallow wide bowl or rimmed baking sheet. Mix thoroughly so seasonings are evenly distributed.
Dredge & Frying
Set up a dredging station: an egg wash bowl with 2 eggs whisked with 2 tbsp milk, and the breading mixture in another shallow dish. Remove chicken from marinade in small batches, letting excess drip off but not wiping it dry.
One piece at a time: dip chicken into the egg wash, then press into the breading mixture, coating all sides. For an extra-crispy double coat (optional), return the coated piece to the egg wash and re-coat in the breading. Place coated pieces on a wire rack set over a sheet pan while you finish the rest.
Pour vegetable oil into a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 1 to 1 1/2 inches. Heat oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of breading in the oil — it should sizzle and brown steadily.
Fry the chicken in small batches (do not overcrowd) for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and the internal temperature of the largest piece reaches 165°F (74°C). Cook times vary with size; adjust as needed. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer cooked pieces to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
If pieces finish at different times, keep cooked batches warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a wire rack for up to 20 minutes while you finish frying.