bojangles chicken recipe

Written ByEmma Smyth Updated on
bojangles chicken recipe
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The Best bojangles chicken recipe

I’ve been making Bojangles-style fried chicken for years, and it’s hands-down one of the best recipes in my rotation. There’s something about that crispy, seasoned crust and juicy meat that just hits the spot every time. My kids ask for it at least once a week, and even my picky eaters clean their plates without complaint. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for a weekend dinner but easy enough to throw together on a busy weeknight. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or even a simple side salad, and it always works. Plus, it’s not as heavy as you might think—using buttermilk keeps the chicken tender without drowning it in oil, and the spices add flavor without being overly salty. It’s a balanced meal that gives you protein, a little crunch, and that satisfying comfort-food feeling without the guilt. If you haven’t tried making it at home yet, you’re missing out.
Bojangles-Style Fried Chicken

Bojangles-Style Fried Chicken

4.8 from 1782 votes

Crispy, flavorful fried chicken inspired by Bojangles’ famous recipe. This dish features a well-seasoned flour coating and juicy, tender meat, perfect for a Southern-style meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
For the Seasoned Flour
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
For Frying
  • Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
  • 1 cup shortening (optional, for extra crispiness)

👨‍🍳Directions

  1. 1 In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
  2. 2 Add chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
  3. 3 In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
  4. 4 Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to adhere the coating. Shake off any excess flour.
  5. 5 Heat vegetable oil (and shortening, if using) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
  6. 6 Carefully place chicken pieces in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. 7 Remove chicken from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
  8. 8 Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure crispiness.

🔧Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Wire rack
  • Thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra crispiness, double-dredge the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and flour after the first coating. Keep oil temperature consistent for even frying. Serve with Bojangles-style biscuits or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Watch Video Of How Bojangles-Style Fried Chicken Works

Boiling down the Bojangles-style chicken recipe, it’s honestly one of those foolproof dishes that just works every single time. The crispy, well-seasoned crust and juicy meat make it a crowd-pleaser whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a big family cookout, and you don’t have to stress over leftovers because it reheats like a dream. If you’re looking for a simple but impressive meal that keeps everyone happy, this is the one to keep in your back pocket.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bojangles-Style Fried Chicken

1. What are the key ingredients in Bojangles’ famous chicken recipe?

Bojangles’ signature fried chicken is known for its crispy, flavorful coating. The key ingredients typically include chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, or wings), buttermilk for marinating, and a seasoned flour mixture. The flour blend usually contains salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other proprietary spices. Some variations may also include a touch of MSG or other secret seasonings to enhance the flavor.

2. How does Bojangles’ get their chicken so crispy?

The crispiness comes from a combination of factors: marinating the chicken in buttermilk (which tenderizes the meat and helps the coating adhere), using a well-seasoned flour mixture, and frying at the right temperature (usually around 350°F/175°C). Bojangles’ also uses a double-dipping technique—dipping the chicken in buttermilk, then flour, then buttermilk again, and finally flour once more—to create a thick, crunchy crust.

3. Can I make Bojangles-style chicken at home without a deep fryer?

Yes! While deep frying gives the best results, you can achieve a similar texture using an air fryer or oven. For the air fryer, coat the chicken as usual, spray lightly with oil, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For the oven, bake at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 35-45 minutes, flipping once. The crust won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious.

4. What’s the best way to reheat Bojangles’ chicken to keep it crispy?

To maintain crispiness when reheating, avoid the microwave—it’ll make the chicken soggy. Instead, use an oven or air fryer. For the oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C), place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and heat for 10-15 minutes. In an air fryer, cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. A quick broil (1-2 minutes) at the end can help restore extra crunch.

5. Does Bojangles’ use a special oil for frying their chicken?

Bojangles’ has historically used a blend of oils for frying, typically including soybean oil and possibly other vegetable oils. The exact blend isn’t publicly disclosed, but many fast-food chains use oils with a high smoke point (like peanut, canola, or soybean oil) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without burning. For home cooking, any neutral oil with a high smoke point (like peanut or vegetable oil) will work well.

Hi, I’m Emma, the creator of Tasty Chicken Recipes, where I share my favorite chicken dishes and simple recipes anyone can make at home. I love experimenting with flavors and helping fellow food lovers cook delicious chicken meals with ease. 🍗✨

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