Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe for Garlic Fried Chicken that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with delicious garlic flavor. Perfect for a satisfying dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks (or a mix of both)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar, left to sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to submerge the chicken)
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture and ensure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
2. Prepare the Flour Coating:
- In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating. Set aside on a plate.
3. Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small pinch of flour—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough.
4. Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
- In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the garlic butter over the fried chicken pieces, tossing them to coat the chicken evenly in the garlic sauce.
6. Serve:
- Garnish the chicken with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips:
- For extra crispy chicken: Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. This helps maintain the crispiness.
- Spicy twist: Add a little bit of hot sauce or chili powder to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
- Side suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
This Garlic Fried Chicken is the perfect combination of crunchy, juicy, and garlicky goodness. It’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves flavorful fried chicken!