Chicken Thigh Fried Recipe: If you’re craving the ultimate crispy fried chicken thigh recipe, you’re in the right place. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with a perfectly crisp outer layer.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, you’ll find this dish irresistible and simple to make at home. Using basic ingredients and a straightforward method, you can serve a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen. Enjoy this versatile dish any time of the year, for lunch, dinner, or even as a comfort food snack!
Chicken thighs are the star of this recipe, and the keyword “chicken thigh fried recipe” is your guide to crafting the ultimate fried chicken experience. In this introduction, we’ll walk through how to create this “chicken thigh fried recipe” that’s perfect for any meal. With minimal prep time and a handful of ingredients, this “chicken thigh fried recipe” is the go-to option when you need something both delicious and satisfying.
So, let’s dive into the “chicken thigh fried recipe” and explore how you can bring out the best flavors in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Execution
1-Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken thighs. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
2-Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This seasoned flour will give the chicken its crunchy and flavorful coating.
3-Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or deep-fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be hot enough to crisp the chicken but not so hot that it burns.
4-Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken thighs from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s thoroughly coated. For extra crunch, you can double-dip by returning the chicken to the buttermilk briefly, then coating it with flour again.
5-Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken thighs in the hot oil. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6-Drain and Serve
Remove the fried chicken thighs from the oil and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Recipe:
About: chicken thigh fried recipe
- Temperature Control: Maintaining the right oil temperature is key. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before cooking through. Too cold, and the coating will be soggy.
- Buttermilk Brine: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds extra flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
- Oil Selection: The type of oil you use can impact the flavor and texture of the fried chicken. Vegetable oil or peanut oil are common choices because they have a high smoke point and don’t overpower the chicken’s flavor. Peanut oil also adds a subtle richness to the fried chicken.
- Resting Time: Let the fried chicken rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and tender.
- Add a Side of Sauce: Fried chicken thighs are great with a variety of dipping sauces. Try pairing your chicken with a classic ranch dressing, spicy honey, or a tangy barbecue sauce to add another layer of flavor.
- Make It Healthier: If you want a lighter version of this dish, you can opt to air fry or oven bake the chicken instead of deep frying. Air frying uses a fraction of the oil, while oven-baking allows for a crisp texture without submerging the chicken in oil. Just follow the same steps for coating and bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Perfect Pairings: This fried chicken goes perfectly with sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, or a refreshing cucumber salad. If you’re looking for something more substantial, pair it with creamy mac and cheese or buttery biscuits for a Southern-inspired meal.
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