Craving that perfectly crispy, golden batter from Long John Silver’s — but prefer to stay home? You’re in for a treat. This Copycat Long John Silver’s Chicken recipe brings that same irresistible crunch and flavor straight to your kitchen, without the takeout run.
Each piece is coated in a light, airy batter that fries to golden perfection, giving you that signature shatteringly crisp bite. It’s the ultimate comfort meal — nostalgic, indulgent, and absolutely satisfying.
Whether it’s for a fun weekend dinner, family fish night, or your next homemade fast-food feast, this recipe captures the authentic taste and texture you love from the classic chain.
📝 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken tenders | 2 pounds |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Cornstarch | ¼ cup |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Club soda (cold) | 16 ounces |
| Vegetable oil | For frying |
🍴 Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
If you’re not using a deep fryer, pour about 8 cups of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 360°F (182°C).
🧑🍳 Tip: Use a thermometer for best results — keeping the oil at a consistent temperature ensures an even, crispy finish.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Flour
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Cornstarch
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Sugar
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Salt
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Onion salt
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Paprika
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Black pepper
Stir until the dry ingredients are fully mixed.
Then, slowly pour in the club soda while whisking. The batter will foam — keep stirring gently until it’s smooth and airy.
🥤 Why club soda? The carbonation helps create that signature light and crispy texture, just like the real thing!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dip each piece into the batter, coating it completely. Let any excess drip off before frying.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Carefully drop the battered chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until:
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The batter is crispy and golden brown, and
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The chicken floats to the top of the oil.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
🍋 Serve & Enjoy
Serve your crispy Copycat Long John Silver’s Chicken hot, with classic sides like:
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Coleslaw
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Fries or hush puppies
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Tartar sauce or ranch dip
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Lemon wedges for a zesty touch
One bite and you’ll swear you’re sitting in the restaurant — only better, because it’s homemade.
🌿 Tips & Variations
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Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder for a little heat.
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Fish version: Use the same batter for cod, haddock, or white fish for an authentic Long John Silver’s fish night.
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Extra crunch: Double-dip the chicken — coat, fry lightly, dip again, and fry once more for ultimate crispiness.
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Air fryer option: Lightly spray battered tenders with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Copycat Long John Silver’s Chicken recipe captures everything we love about the iconic dish — that golden, bubbly crust, tender chicken inside, and a nostalgic flavor that feels like a trip back in time.
Crispy, light, and addictively good, it’s proof that you can bring restaurant-quality comfort food straight to your home kitchen with simple pantry ingredients.
So heat up that oil, grab your tongs, and get ready to taste fast-food magic — homemade and even better than the original!