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:
- Prepare Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- 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:
- Prepare Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!