Gluten-free fried chicken that is perfectly crunchy and so full of flavor, it will make your tastebuds dance! It’s the best of comfort foods and rivals that of “normal” or traditional fried chicken!

It had been 20 years—yes, that’s right, two full decades—since I had the pleasure of sinking my teeth into a piece of fried chicken. While it’s not exactly a life-or-death situation, and grilled chicken is undoubtedly healthier, there’s something irreplaceable about the experience of crispy, golden fried chicken. Especially when it’s dunked into a rich, flavorful white gravy! If you’ve been missing that, like I had, you’re in for a treat. This gluten-free fried chicken recipe is so deliciously crunchy and packed with flavor, it will make your taste buds dance with joy.

The Best Gluten-Free Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe:

Gluten-Free Flour Blend: My special blend of all-purpose flour.
Tapioca Flour: For that extra crunch and perfect texture.
Baking Powder: Helps achieve a light, crispy coating.
Salt: Essential for seasoning.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
Paprika: For a smoky undertone.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with a savory flavor.
Buttermilk: Acts as a tenderizer and adds tangy flavor.
Chicken Tenderloins: Perfect size and cook evenly.
Avocado Oil: A healthier alternative for frying, with a high smoke point. You could use canola oil or your favorite frying oil.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe:

Simple Ingredients: Made with basic, easy-to-find ingredients.
No Seed Oils: We use avocado oil for a healthier frying option.
Feeds a Crowd: Great for family dinners or gatherings.
Reheats Nicely: Stays crunchy and delicious even when reheated.

Helpful Tips:

Marinating Time: Ensure you leave enough time (at least 2 hours) for the chicken to marinate in the buttermilk. This step is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken.
Tenderloins are Best: Chicken tenderloins work perfectly in this recipe due to their size and tenderness, but you could use chicken breasts cut into tender-sized pieces.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 4 days.
Reheating: Leftover fried chicken reheats really well for next day eating! For best results, reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain the crunch.
Flour Blend: I haven’t tested this recipe with other flour blends, so I can’t guarantee the same results if you use a different one.

Steps to Crispy, Flavorful Fried Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken: In a 9×13 pan, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Nestle the chicken tenders into the buttermilk, making sure they are fully submerged. Let them marinate for at least 2 hours. This step is essential for infusing the chicken with flavor and ensuring it stays tender.
Prepare for Frying: When ready to fry, place a large pot on the stove and pour in enough avocado oil to fill the pot about halfway. Turn the heat to medium to slowly bring the oil up to frying temperature.
Mix the Coating: In a separate large bowl, combine the all purpose gluten-free flour blend, tapioca flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Coat the Chicken: Once the oil is hot (you can test this by dropping a small bit of the flour mixture into the oil; it should sizzle immediately), take a piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess buttermilk to drip off, and coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Gently place it into the hot oil. Repeat with additional pieces of chicken, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. You’ll likely need to fry in batches of about 5-6 tenders at a time.
Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken pieces for about 4 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy on both sides. Chicken should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Drain the Chicken: Carefully remove the fried chicken from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil, or on a wire rack.

The Perfect Accompaniments:

No fried chicken meal is complete without a few classic sides. Here are a few ideas to complement your crispy gluten-free fried chicken:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich and buttery mashed potatoes are a perfect side to balance the crunchiness of the chicken.
Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the fried chicken.
Biscuits: Gluten-free biscuits to mop up any delicious gravy or sauce.
Gravy: Don’t forget a generous helping of white gravy to drizzle over your chicken or mashed potatoes.
Green Beans

Storing and Reheating:

If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt you will, because this chicken is that good!), store them properly to maintain their deliciousness. Place the cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the chicken in the oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again.

Experimenting with Flavors:

While this recipe sticks to the classic seasoning blend, you can always get creative with the spices. Here are a few ideas to change things up:

Spicy Kick: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a spicy twist.
Herb Infusion: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the flour blend for an herby flavor.
Cheesy Crust: Add some finely grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for a cheesy, extra-crispy crust.

Advanced Tips for the Perfect Fry:

Temperature Control: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for perfectly fried chicken. Use a kitchen thermometer to keep the oil at a steady 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cold, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy.
Oil Choices: While avocado oil is a fantastic choice due to its high smoke point and health benefits, you can also use other oils with high smoke points such as coconut oil or peanut oil. These oils can add their own unique flavors to the chicken.
Double Dipping: For an extra crispy coating, try double dipping the chicken. After the first round of coating, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then dip it back into the buttermilk and flour mixture one more time before frying. This will create an even thicker, crunchier crust.
Resting the Chicken: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows any excess oil to drain away and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions:

While fried chicken is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides and sauces can take your meal to the next level. Here are a few suggestions:

Pickles: Serve your fried chicken with a side of pickles. The tanginess and crunch of pickles complement the savory, crispy chicken perfectly.
Hot Honey: Drizzle some hot honey over your fried chicken for a sweet and spicy twist. Simply heat honey with a pinch of chili flakes until it’s warm and infused with heat.
Cornbread: Moist and slightly sweet cornbread is a classic Southern side that pairs wonderfully with fried chicken.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad with a touch of mustard and fresh herbs is a cool, comforting side that balances the richness of the fried chicken.

Making It a Meal:

Creating a complete meal around your gluten-free fried chicken can turn a simple dinner into a special occasion. Here are a few ideas:

Southern Feast: Create a full Southern spread with fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and sweet tea.
Picnic Style: Pack up your fried chicken with some potato salad, coleslaw, and fresh fruit for a delightful picnic.
Game Day Platter: Serve the fried chicken with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, and honey mustard, along with some crispy fries and a big bowl of nachos for the ultimate game day feast.

The Joy of Gluten-Free Fried Chicken:

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a piece of homemade fried chicken that’s crispy, flavorful, and gluten-free. It brings back the nostalgia of childhood comfort food, but with a modern, health-conscious twist. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this gluten-free fried chicken recipe is sure to impress and delight.

So go ahead, don your apron, heat up that oil, and get ready to enjoy a piece of fried chicken that’s been 20 years in the making. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Enjoy every crispy, juicy bite!

After two long decades, the first bite of this gluten-free fried chicken was nothing short of a revelation. The crispy, golden exterior gave way to tender, juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor. The avocado oil provided a clean, light fry that didn’t leave the chicken greasy, and the buttermilk marinade ensured every bite was tender and flavorful.

Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat, this gluten-free fried chicken recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a piece of fried chicken that will make your taste buds dance and your heart sing. Happy frying!

Check out the recipe card below for this gluten-free dinner recipe!