Jollibee Chicken Joy Recipe (Crispy Filipino-Style Chicken)

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Make Jollibee’s famous Chicken Joy at home with this easy copycat recipe. It features a simple marinade, a crunchy coating, and a rich homemade gravy — everything you need to recreate the famous Jollibee Chicken Joy recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy outside, tender inside
• Uses pantry ingredients
• Budget-friendly Jollibee alternative
• Includes savory gravy recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lbs chicken drumsticks and thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Breading:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Oil for frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   • In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
   • Add chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare the Breading
   • In a shallow bowl, combine all dry breading ingredients.
3. Bread the Chicken
   • Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
   • Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture.
   • Place breaded chicken on a wire rack to rest for 15 minutes.
4. Fry
   • Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
   • Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • Drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Gravy
   • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
   • Stir in flour and cook until light brown.
   • Gradually whisk in broth and soy sauce. Simmer until thickened.
   • Season with salt and pepper.

Tips for the Best Copycat Jollibee Chicken Joy

• Let breaded chicken rest before frying for a crispier crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – it lowers oil temperature.
• Use a thermometer for oil and chicken doneness.

Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep it crispy.
• Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use chicken breasts? Yes, just adjust the cook time to avoid overcooking.
• What oil should I use? Neutral oils with high smoke points like canola or peanut oil.
• Can I air fry this? Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Spray with oil and air fry at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.

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If you make this Jollibee Chicken Joy recipe, please drop a comment below! I’d LOVE to know what you think! Or take a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging @dwellbymichelle so I can repost it on my stories!

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