Golden Corral Fried Chicken Recipe

Hey, Welcome to the Golden Corral Fried Chicken Recipe. It is a crispy, juicy, Southern-style fried chicken served at the famous Golden Corral buffet restaurant.

If you’ve ever had this at a Caribbean family gathering or a festive dinner, you already know how irresistibly smooth and sweet it is.

Guess what happened when I tried to replicate that at home? I did it perfectly! I’m going to share the simplest method for preparing this delicious food in your own kitchen today.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Category: Main Dish

History and Origin

Golden Corral’s fried chicken reflects Southern cooking traditions that emphasize well-seasoned, crispy coating and juicy meat.

This restaurant chain made it famous across the United States through its buffet-style dining experience, becoming a beloved comfort food classic for many families.

What does Golden Corral Fried Chicken taste like?

Golden Corral fried chicken tastes incredibly crunchy outside with juicy, tender chicken inside.

The seasoning blend gives it a savory, slightly peppery flavor that makes every bite satisfying and nostalgic, just like authentic Southern home-style fried chicken.

By the way, you can also try the Mission BBQ Green Beans Recipe.

Golden Corral Fried Chicken Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Golden Corral Fried Chicken Recipe:

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken pieces	2 lbs (legs, thighs, breasts)
Buttermilk	2 cups
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Cornstarch	1/2 cup
Salt	1 tsp
Paprika	1 tsp
Garlic powder	1 tsp
Black pepper	1/2 tsp
Cayenne pepper	1/4 tsp
Eggs	2
Vegetable oil	For frying

Equipment Needed

Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Golden Corral Fried Chicken Recipe:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Deep fryer or large pot
• Tongs
• Thermometer
• Wire rack or paper towels

How to Make Golden Corral Fried Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best tenderness and flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

Combine flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne.

Step 3: Dip and Coat

Beat eggs. Dip chicken into eggs, then coat fully in the seasoned flour mixture.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Heat the oil to 350°F so the chicken fries evenly and turns crispy golden.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Fry each piece for 12–15 minutes until cooked through and perfectly crisp.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Place chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil, then enjoy it hot.

Recipe Card

Nutritional Information

Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Golden Corral Fried Chicken Recipe:

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	420
Protein	27g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	32g
Sodium	670mg
Cholesterol	125mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Golden Corral fried chicken with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, mac and cheese, or corn on the cob.

Add dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue for extra flavor. It’s perfect for parties, holidays, and family dinners.

Storage Tips

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer so the coating stays crispy.

If freezing, wrap pieces individually to prevent moisture buildup and defrost before reheating for best results.

Tips for Extra Crispy Coating

If you want that perfect restaurant-style crunch, double coating is the key. Dip the chicken into the flour, then the egg mixture, and back into the flour again.

Also, letting the coated chicken rest before frying helps the crust stick firmly.

Variations You Can Try

You can easily customize this Golden Corral fried chicken recipe by experimenting with spices like Old Bay, lemon pepper, or Cajun seasoning.

Try swapping buttermilk with hot sauce-marinated chicken or using panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crunchy texture.

Best Oil and Frying Temperature

Maintaining the proper oil temperature ensures crunchy coating without greasy results. Keep the oil around 350°F throughout frying.

Too hot burns the coating quickly, too low absorbs oil. Monitor with a thermometer for consistent Golden Corral-style chicken every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overcrowding the pan, which drops the oil temperature and causes soggy chicken. Pat chicken dry before coating to help the breading stick.

Make sure internal temperature reaches 165°F so the meat stays juicy and safe to eat.

How to Serve for Special Occasions

This Golden Corral Fried Chicken Recipe is great for holidays, BBQs, tailgates, and birthdays.

Make it feel like a Golden Corral feast by pairing it with crowd-pleasing sides, colorful salads, and different sauces so guests enjoy a fun and flavorful buffet-style experience.

How to Make It Spicy

If you love heat, simply add more cayenne pepper, chili powder, or crushed red pepper to the coating.

You can also marinate the chicken in hot sauce for a fiery kick that still keeps the meat tender and flavorful.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

You can make this delicious fried chicken gluten-free by replacing regular flour with a gluten-free blend or rice flour.

Cornstarch already helps with crispiness, so the results still come out crunchy while staying safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Conclusion

This Golden Corral Fried Chicken Recipe is crispy, juicy, and brings restaurant-style flavor into your home. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family meals or gatherings.

With these words, we came to the end of this article. Please share this recipe with your loved ones and give it a 5-star rating at the conclusion of the FAQs section if you enjoy it!
Happy Cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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