Knott's Berry Farm Fried Chicken

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Southern California with Knott's Berry Farm Fried Chicken, a golden, crispy delight inspired by the famous theme park's iconic recipe. Perfectly marinated in buttermilk and a medley of seasonings like smoked paprika and garlic powder, this chicken features a tender, flavorful interior and a beautifully crunchy coating thanks to a double-dredging technique. The recipe's secret lies in achieving a flawless fry—each piece is cooked to golden perfection in hot oil for that signature crispiness. Ready in just over an hour and served best with comforting sides like buttery biscuits or creamy coleslaw, this classic family favorite promises to deliver all the nostalgic flavor of a true Southern feast. Indulge in authentic, restaurant-style fried chicken at home with this irresistible recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 pounds Chicken (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 2 large Eggs
• 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.

Step 2

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are thoroughly coated.

Step 3

Cover the bowl or seal the bag and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 4

When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 5

In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water to create an egg wash.

Step 6

Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, then dip them into the egg wash, and dredge them again in the flour mixture. Press the flour into the chicken to ensure a thick and even coating.

Step 7

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature for consistent cooking.

Step 8

Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each piece for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 9

Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain off excess oil. Keep finished chicken warm in a 200°F oven while frying the remaining pieces.

Step 10

Serve the fried chicken immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, biscuits, or coleslaw, for an authentic Southern-inspired feast.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3737.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	13813.5

Total Fat 1247.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 224.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 1877.2mg	0%
Sodium 5053.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 313.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.1g	0%
Total Sugars 25.4g
Protein 393.4g	0%

Vitamin D 426.5IU	0%
Calcium 896.6mg	0%
Iron 36.4mg	0%
Potassium 4780.6mg	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: 79.9%

Protein: 11.2%

Carbs: 8.9%