Dairy-Free Classic Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly flavorful, this Dairy-Free Classic Fried Chicken delivers all the crunch and juiciness of traditional fried chicken—without the dairy. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or simply looking to try something new, this recipe uses a rich almond milk and apple cider vinegar brine as a dairy-free buttermilk alternative to tenderize and infuse the chicken with subtle tang. A seasoned flour and cornstarch coating, packed with smoky paprika, garlic, and a kick of cayenne, ensures a perfectly crispy crust that shatters with every bite. Deep-fried to golden perfection, this dish is comfort food at its best, ready to be paired with your favorite sides. Ideal for family dinners, picnics, or game-day spreads, this dairy-free fried chicken is sure to please a crowd craving classic Southern flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken pieces (leg, thigh, breast, wing)
• 2 cups Unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Paprika
• 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Onion powder
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 4 cups Vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the unsweetened almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a dairy-free buttermilk alternative.

Step 2

Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight, to tenderize and flavor the chicken.

Step 3

In another large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create the seasoned flour mixture.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the almond milk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.

Step 5

Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere well. Shake off any excess flour, and place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack.

Step 6

In a large, deep pan or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway.

Step 7

Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

Once cooked, use tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces, ensuring the oil temperature returns to 350°F (175°C) before adding more chicken.

Step 10

Allow the fried chicken to cool slightly and serve hot. Enjoy your dairy-free classic fried chicken with your favorite sides!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2556.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10365.3

Total Fat 954.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 151.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 538.9g
Cholesterol 704mg	0%
Sodium 5697.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 262.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.8g	0%
Total Sugars 1.7g
Protein 247.5g	0%

Vitamin D 215.7IU	0%
Calcium 1037.9mg	0%
Iron 25.4mg	0%
Potassium 2589.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 80.8%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 9.9%