Learn how to cook Max style fried chicken at home! Crispy outside, juicy inside—just like the famous Max’s Restaurant fried chicken. Includes tips and serving suggestions.
Introduction: Bring the Taste of Max’s Restaurant to Your Table
If you’ve ever dined at Max’s Restaurant, then you know their signature Max’s Fried Chicken is iconic—golden brown, crisp on the outside, yet tender and juicy inside. Served with fried kamote (sweet potato) and a side of banana ketchup, this dish has become a staple in many Filipino households.
This Max’s style Fried Chicken is a delicious copycat recipe you can make right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to recreate your favorite restaurant experience, this recipe is easy, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken Recipe
✅ Restaurant-style chicken at home
✅ Crispy, golden skin without breading
✅ Steamed first for juicy meat and full flavor
✅ Perfect with kamote fries and banana ketchup
✅ Ideal for Filipino parties or Sunday lunches
What Is Max Style Fried Chicken?
Max’s Fried Chicken is known for its unbreaded crispy skin, deep-fried to golden perfection after being steamed with herbs. Unlike heavily battered fried chicken, this version highlights the natural flavor of the chicken, enhanced by aromatics like bay leaves, salt, pepper, and cilantro.
The result? A light, crispy, and flavorful chicken dish you can serve with all your Filipino favorites like Pancit Canton and Lumpiang Sariwa.
📝 Ingredients
- 1 whole spring chicken (Cornish game hen recommended)
- 6 pieces dried bay leaves
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro or parsley
- 4 cups water
- 3 cups cooking oil (for deep frying)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
🛒 Optional for serving:
- Fried kamote (sweet potato fries)
- Jufran banana ketchup or Worcestershire sauce
👨🍳 How to Cook Max’s Style Fried Chicken
Step 1: Steam the Chicken
- Pour 4 cups of water into a steamer and bring to a boil.
- Add bay leaves and chopped cilantro/parsley.
- Place the chicken in the steamer and cook for 45 minutes.
💡 This step makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Let It Rest
- Remove the chicken from the steamer.
- Allow it to drain and cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
- Rub the chicken all over with salt and black pepper.
💡 This ensures the flavor reaches the skin and meat.
Step 4: Deep Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat 3 cups of cooking oil in a deep pot or fryer.
- When the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully lower the chicken.
- Deep-fry for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- If the chicken isn’t fully submerged, flip halfway and fry each side for 12 minutes.
Step 5: Drain & Serve
- Remove the chicken and allow excess oil to drip.
- Slice and serve with fried kamote and banana ketchup or Worcestershire sauce.
🍠 Side Dishes That Go Well with Max’s Fried Chicken
- Fried Kamote (Sweet Potato Fries) – A classic Max’s pairing
- Pancit Canton – Perfect for birthdays and special occasions
- Lumpiang Sariwa – A fresh veggie spring roll for balance
- Garlic Fried Rice – For a heavier meal
- Pickled Papaya (Atchara) – For a tangy, crunchy contrast
📌 Tips for Success
- Use Cornish game hen for the most authentic Max’s-style experience. It’s small, tender, and perfect for one or two servings.
- Steam first, then fry – This method makes the chicken super juicy.
- Let the chicken rest after steaming to prevent oil splatter.
- No need for flour or breadcrumbs – the crispy texture comes naturally from the cooking process.
- Serve immediately while hot for best texture and taste.
Max’s style Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Pour 4 cups of water into a steamer and bring to a boil.
- Add bay leaves and chopped cilantro/parsley.
- Place the chicken in the steamer and cook for 45 minutes.
- 💡 This step makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
- Remove the chicken from the steamer.
- Allow it to drain and cool for about 10 minutes.
- Rub the chicken all over with salt and black pepper.
- 💡 This ensures the flavor reaches the skin and meat.
- Heat 3 cups of cooking oil in a deep pot or fryer.
- When the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully lower the chicken.
- Deep-fry for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- If the chicken isn’t fully submerged, flip halfway and fry each side for 12 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and allow excess oil to drip.
- Slice and serve with fried kamote and banana ketchup or Worcestershire sauce.
🧂 Max Fried Chicken Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Filipino
Category: Main Course
🥘 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 2g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
📣 Final Thoughts
This Max’s style Fried Chicken recipe is a must-try for any fan of Filipino comfort food. It captures the signature taste and texture of the original dish—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect with a side of kamote fries and Jufran banana ketchup.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving a taste of home, this dish is sure to satisfy.
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