Posted by Jollibee Chicken Joy is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods—crispy on the outside and irresistibly juicy on the inside.
When my husband and I visited the Philippines, he tried Jollibee’s Chicken Joy and instantly fell in love with it. Inspired by his reaction, I decided to recreate this iconic dish at home.
For those who aren’t familiar, Jollibee is a popular Filipino fast-food chain known for its delicious offerings like spaghetti, fried chicken, and burgers. This homemade, copycat version of Jollibee Chicken Joy is perfectly seasoned and fried to achieve that satisfying crispiness and rich flavor.
If you’re a fan of chicken, you’ll want to check out these other must-try recipes: air fryer chicken drumsticks, coconut milk chicken adobo, baked sweet chili chicken drumsticks, and classic chicken adobo.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
- You can use different types of chicken such as thighs or wings.
- Homemade version that’s even better than takeout!
Ingredients Needed:
- Chicken: Drumsticks (or thighs or wings, if preferred).
- Flour: All-purpose flour for coating.
- Cornstarch: Essential for extra crispiness.
- Garlic Powder: Adds flavor.
- Five Spice Powder: An important ingredient for authentic taste (available at Asian stores).
- Milk: Regular milk (2% works fine).
- Egg: 1 large egg to bind the coating.
- Salt and Black Pepper: For marinating the chicken.
- Oil: Vegetable or canola oil for deep frying.
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Let it sit for 2-3 hours to marinate for maximum flavor. - Prepare the Flour Mixture:
In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, five spice powder, and salt. Stir until well combined. - Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. - Coat the Chicken:
Toss the marinated chicken in the flour mixture until well coated. Dip the coated chicken into the egg mixture, then return it to the flour mixture to coat again. - Fry the Chicken:
Heat 4 cups of oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, deep fry the chicken for about 15 minutes, turning each piece halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. - Drain and Rest:
Remove the chicken from the oil and drain excess oil using a strainer. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs:
1. How long does Chicken Joy take to fry?
- Frying chicken takes about 7-8 minutes per side, or 15 minutes total. Ensure the oil is hot before frying, and drop a little flour into the oil—if it bubbles, you can start frying the chicken.
2. What type of oil should I use?
- Vegetable oil is recommended for deep frying because it has a high smoke point and can be reused. You can also use canola or peanut oil.
3. Can I use different types of chicken?
- Yes! While drumsticks are used in this recipe, you can substitute with bone-in thighs or wings if preferred.
4. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
- Yes, you can make air fryer chicken joy by spraying the coated chicken with oil and air frying at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for crispiness.
5. Can I make the flour mixture ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the flour mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes:
- Marinating Tip: Letting the chicken marinate for a few hours helps to infuse it with flavor, making it juicier and more tender.
- Coating Tip: Double coating the chicken (flour, egg, then flour again) ensures a super crispy exterior.
- Frying Tip: Keep the oil temperature consistent by maintaining medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the chicken might burn before cooking through.
Jollibee Chicken Joy is one of my favorite comfort foods—crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This homemade version of the famous Filipino fried chicken is seasoned and fried to perfection for that perfect balance of crispiness and flavor. Perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Filipino
Servings: 6 drumsticks
Ingredients:
- 6 pieces drumsticks
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 4 cups oil for deep frying
Breading:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Egg Mixture:
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Season the Chicken: Season the drumsticks with salt and black pepper to taste. Let them marinate for 2-3 hours to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, five-spice powder, and salt. Stir well until fully mixed.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or pot, heat 4 cups of oil over medium heat for deep frying.
- Coat the Chicken: Coat the marinated chicken drumsticks in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then return it to the flour mixture for another coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully drop the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time should be about 15 minutes.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and drain the excess oil using a strainer or paper towels.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade crispy Chicken Joy!
Notes:
How long does Chicken Joy take to fry?
Frying takes approximately 7-8 minutes per side, for a total of 15 minutes. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small bit of flour into the oil. If it bubbles, the oil is hot enough for frying.
What type of oil should I use?
For deep frying, use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. I recommend vegetable oil, as it has a high smoke point and can be reused for frying.