Long John Silver’s Batter for Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Long John Silver’s style batter creates a light, crispy coating perfect for chicken tenderloins or fish. It’s easy to make and fries up beautifully golden and crunchy, giving your homemade fried dishes a delicious restaurant-quality finish.

Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 3/4 cup flour
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for Whole30 or Keto)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Step 2: Gradually add the water while stirring until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Step 3: Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to a temperature between 360°F and 375°F.
- Step 4: Dip chicken tenderloins or fish into the batter, making sure they are fully coated.
- Step 5: Deep fry the coated pieces until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- Adjust seasoning by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- If you prefer a lighter batter, reduce the cornstarch slightly and increase the flour.
- Make sure oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy coating.
Storage
Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the batter soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this batter for fish as well as chicken?
Yes, this batter is versatile and works great with fish fillets, giving them a crispy, golden crust similar to the classic Long John Silver’s style.
What oil is best for frying this batter?
Use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil to achieve a crisp, evenly fried coating without burning.
PrintLong John Silver’s Batter for Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe
This Long John Silver’s Batter recipe is a crispy and flavorful coating perfect for chicken tenderloins or fish. The batter combines a mix of flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and seasonings to create a light, crunchy crust when deep fried. It’s simple to prepare and yields a deliciously golden fried finish that pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 3/4 cup flour
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for Whole30 or Keto)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 cup water
Protein
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins (can substitute with fish)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all seasonings.
- Add Water: Gradually pour in the water while stirring continuously until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, achieving a perfect consistency for coating.
- Heat Oil: Preheat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy skillet to a temperature between 360°F and 375°F, suitable for deep frying to get a crispy exterior.
- Coat Protein: Dip the chicken tenderloins (or fish) into the batter, making sure each piece is fully coated to ensure a crispy crust after frying.
- Deep Fry: Carefully place the battered chicken in hot oil and fry for about 3 minutes per side or until the coating is golden brown and the inside is cooked through.
Notes
- Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a Whole30 or Keto-compliant version.
- Ensure oil temperature is consistently between 360°F and 375°F for the best frying results.
- Adjust frying time based on thickness of protein; fish might cook faster than chicken.
- Drain fried pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
- This batter works well for fish, shrimp, or other tender proteins.
Keywords: Long John Silver’s Batter, fried chicken batter, crispy chicken coating, deep fry batter, fish batter, crispy fried chicken

