Fried chicken is one of those transcendent dishes that knows no bounds: culturally, regionally—what culinary tradition hasn’t been noted? If you only know the classic American version, lists of six types of fried chicken you just have to experience once in your life. From crispy Southern buttermilk chicken to spicy Korean wings, each twist comes with a new taste experience to be had. Each kind is attached to a story behind its preparation and, much more importantly, tastes significantly different. What more do you leave them to make their way to your culinary bucket list?

6 Types Of Fried Chicken

Fried chicken has always been regarded as comfort food or viewed as foreign to your plate. Forget that; the dish can be considered an adventure in its own right. As globalized as this dish has become, spans of it across the world manifest in their most original and stark flair. Be it from the secret blend of spices to the perfect method of frying, through an extended cultural identity—every version tells a story.

So if you think you’re a self-proclaimed aficionado of all things fried chicken, or any other adjectives applicable to the kind of foodie bent on trying out different tastes. Let this guide introduce you to the six mouth-watering varieties you should try. Journey with me from the heart of the Southern United. States to Seoul’s busy streets in this world’s fried chicken escapade.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Southern-Style

This is a byword for comfort food: buttermilk fried chicken, Southern-style. Marinated in buttermilk, this chicken is so succulent and tender. As previously mentioned, the buttermilk marinate does more than tenderize the meat—it infuses it with that slight tanginess that goes so well with the crispy coat used for frying. The seasoned flour forms the outer crust, which, upon frying, turns golden and crunchy. The secret lies in the spice blend whisked into the flour: smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne for that unmistakable wallop of the South. Tender meat in every bite, full of flavor, coated in a shell that’s cracker crunchy and savory.

Korean Fried Chicken

Korean fried chicken, or “chikin,” has reached international fame with its addictively crispy skin and sweet, spicy glaze. Unlike traditional American fried chicken, Korean fried chicken is quite often double-fried.
This secures an extra-crispy outside that remains crunchy, even coated in sauce. Sauces vary from soy garlic to spicy gochujang, a Korean chili paste. This fried chicken comes in bite-sized pieces, so it is just the right size for sharing. Be it in a Korean food house or homemade, this dish is a must-try when one craves bold flavors with crispy textures.

Japanese Karaage

Japanese karaage is another variant of fried chicken. Marinated chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces, rolled in soy, sake, ginger, and garlic, then potato starch and deep-fried. Light but crispy, full of savory flavors and umami from the marinade, here comes the Karaage. Then, it was served many times with lemon and a dollop of Japanese mayonnaise. This was said to be a refreshing contrast to richness in chicken flavor. This is the style of fried chicken that will please those who tend to enjoy subtlety in flavors and textures taken from Japanese food.

Nashville Hot Chicken

For those looking for something a bit more on the spicy side, this one will be the most extreme ride you’ve ever had with fried chicken. This spicy chicken dish sources itself from Nashville, Tennessee, and is highly acclaimed for its strong spiciness. It is marinated, then deep-fried, and afterwards showered in piping hot sauce made with lard and cayenne pepper amongst other spices. The chicken comes out crispy but explosively spicy. Usually, it is served on a slice of white bread with pickles to cool down the heat. If you are a lover of spicy food, then Nashville hot chicken would surely be one not to be missed.

Indian Fried Chicken

The Indian fried chicken is another variant, known by the name “chicken pakora,” which combines a dose of Indian spices with crispy fried goodness. The chicken pieces are dipped in yogurt, and mixed with ginger, garlic, and a mix of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and others. The marinated chicken is subsequently coated in chickpea flour batter and deep-fried to a golden and crispy end. There’s fried chicken that’s both fragrant and flavorful, really good with a squeeze of lime and a side of mint chutney. These fancy fried chickens do say much about the dexterity of Indian cuisine, with their reasonable options to make what people usually know a novelty.

Jamaican Jerk Fried Chicken

Jerk fried chicken brings together the excess of jerk seasoning with the double-fisted crackliness one expects. Jerk seasoning is a complex blend of allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet peppers, and other spices in a spicy, aromatic marinade. Dip chicken in that concoction and deep fry it to perfection. Here you will find a piece of chicken that is spicy and aromatic, crispy outside and juicy inside. This dish allows for a very indulgent experience with some of the boldest and most lively flavors in the Caribbean.

Final Words

Fried chicken is one of those foods that seem to be reinvented in different corners of the globe, each version bearing some kind of unique twist. From the tangy buttermilk of the American South to the spicy heat of Nashville and from the umami richness of Japanese karaage to the aromatic spices of Indian pakora, there is a world of flavors that one can discover. All these six types of fried chicken foods bring out a unique taste experience that showcases creativity and diversity in culinary traditions. So, next time you reach out for fried chicken, take a leap of faith and try one of these global variations. Your taste buds will thank you.