Get ready to spice up your dinner with my Extra Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken! This recipe combines tender chicken, a savory marinade, and a crunchy coating. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that bursts with flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this chicken will impress. Ready to dig in? Let’s start cooking!
Ingredients
Chicken Components
For this recipe, you will need:
– 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
– 4 chicken drumsticks
These pieces give you juicy meat and crispy skin. The bone helps keep the meat moist while frying.
Marinade Ingredients
To create the marinade, gather these:
– 2 cups buttermilk
– 2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
The buttermilk makes the chicken tender. The hot sauce adds a kick that you can control.
Coating Ingredients
For the crunchy coating, use:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (add more for extra heat)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
This mixture gives the chicken a golden and crispy texture. Each spice adds its own flavor, making every bite special. For the full recipe, check out the instructions provided earlier.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
To start, you need to marinate the chicken. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of buttermilk and 2 teaspoons of hot sauce. This mix adds flavor and moisture. Submerge the chicken thighs and drumsticks in the buttermilk. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. This step is key to making the chicken juicy and tender.
Preparing the Coating
Now, let’s make the coating. In a clean bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s mixed well. This coating is what gives your chicken its crispy texture.
Frying the Chicken
Next, it’s time to fry. Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to reach a depth of 1-2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it hits 350°F (175°C). This is important; a thermometer helps here. While the oil heats, take the marinated chicken out. Let any extra buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in your seasoned flour mix, pressing it in firmly. Let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
When the oil is ready, carefully add the chicken pieces. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this can make your chicken soggy. Fry for 12-15 minutes on each side. You want a deep golden brown color. Use a meat thermometer to check that the inside is at least 165°F (74°C). Once fried, place the chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness! For the full recipe, check the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Crunch
To get that extra crunch, use cornstarch in your flour mix. Cornstarch makes the coating crispier. Make sure to press the flour firmly onto the chicken. The more you press, the better the crunch. Next, let the chicken rest on a wire rack after coating. This helps the coating stick better when frying.
Adjusting Spiciness
You can change the heat level easily! Add more cayenne pepper for extra spice. If you prefer milder chicken, reduce the hot sauce in the marinade. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Remember, the joy of cooking is making it your own!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your fried chicken with sides like coleslaw or cornbread. A spicy dipping sauce makes a great addition too. For a fun twist, pair it with pickles or jalapeños. Don’t forget to present the chicken nicely on a platter. A sprig of parsley adds color and freshness! For the full recipe, check out the Extra Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken recipe above.
Variations
Spicy Garlic Fried Chicken
For a bold twist, try Spicy Garlic Fried Chicken. Start by adding minced garlic to your marinade. Use 4-5 cloves for a strong flavor. This will make your chicken smell amazing and taste even better. You can also mix garlic powder into your coating. This adds depth and a tasty kick.
Southern Style Fried Chicken
To make Southern Style Fried Chicken, focus on using traditional spices. Add sage and thyme to your flour mix for that classic flavor. You can also switch the hot sauce in the marinade for the more subtle flavors of mustard. The result? A crispy chicken with Southern charm.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need gluten-free options, use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend. These alternatives work well and still give a nice crunch. Make sure your hot sauce and other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the crispy goodness without worry.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions that guide you step by step!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
After enjoying your extra crispy spicy fried chicken, you may have some left. To store it, let the chicken cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. Properly stored, it will last for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing.
Reheating Tips
Reheating chicken can be tricky. You want it hot and crispy, not soggy. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. This method helps maintain that crunchy texture. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker option. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes.
Freezing the Chicken
Freezing is great for longer storage. To freeze the chicken, first, let it cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. The chicken can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the best flavor, try to use it within a month. For the full recipe, look back to the beginning of this article.
FAQs
What makes fried chicken extra crispy?
To make fried chicken extra crispy, you need a good coating. The combination of flour and cornstarch gives the chicken its crunch. Cornstarch absorbs moisture, which helps create a crispier surface. Marinating in buttermilk adds flavor and breaks down proteins, making the chicken tender. The right frying temperature, around 350°F, is essential too. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will be greasy and soggy.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Breasts cook faster and are leaner. However, they may dry out if overcooked. To keep them juicy, you can marinate them for the same time as thighs. Just be mindful of the cooking time. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F for safe eating.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken without touching bone. The temperature should read 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a golden brown color and clear juices when pierced. The chicken should feel firm, not soft. Cooking times may vary, so always check before serving.
For the full recipe, check the Extra Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken section above.
This blog post covered everything you need for great fried chicken. We explored the chicken, marinade, and coating for flavor. Then, we walked through each step for marinating, coating, and frying. I shared tips on getting the perfect crunch and adjusting spice levels. We also discussed fun variations and how to store leftovers.
Fried chicken opens the door to creativity. You can make it your own! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and methods. Happy cooking!
