Kickin’ Fried Chicken is all about that flavorful and spicy kick. Here’s a detailed recipe for you:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 2 pounds chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, etc.)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Tabasco)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Coating:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

For Frying:

  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

  1. Prepare Marinade:
    • In a bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Marinate Chicken:
    • Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or a bowl and pour the buttermilk mixture over them. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

Coat and Fry the Chicken:

  1. Prepare Coating:
    • In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  2. Coat the Chicken:
    • Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly with the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken.
  3. Rest the Coated Chicken:
    • Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better.
  4. Heat Oil:
    • In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry the Chicken:
    • Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, usually 12-15 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
  6. Drain and Keep Warm:
    • Place the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep the fried chicken warm in a preheated oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while frying the remaining pieces.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve the Kickin’ Fried Chicken hot, garnished with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips:

  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Buttermilk Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Use a Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Double Coating: For an extra crispy coating, you can double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk mixture and then into the flour mixture again before frying.

Enjoy your spicy and flavorful Kickin’ Fried Chicken!