Spicy Herb Fried Chicken

Name: Spicy Herb Fried Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 lbs chicken pieces; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 2 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 tsp dried thyme; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; Oil for frying

🕒 Prep: 30 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

Be the First to Review!

Spicy Herb Fried Chicken is a bold twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines the heat of cayenne with fragrant herbs to deliver a crispy, flavorful punch. Perfect for those who love their chicken with a kick!

Save Print Jump to Recipe

Ingredients for Spicy Herb Fried Chicken

The marinade begins with buttermilk, which tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang. Smoked paprika offers a deep, smoky flavor, while garlic powder and onion powder bring savory depth. Cayenne pepper provides the heat, balanced by the earthy notes of dried thyme and dried oregano. A touch of black pepper and salt rounds out the seasoning. The flour coating, with a hint of baking powder and baking soda, ensures a light, crispy crust. Lastly, the oil for frying is crucial for achieving that perfect golden brown finish.

Tips & Tricks

For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in the marinade and flour mixture before frying.
Use a thermometer to keep your oil at a steady 350°F for best results.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Herb Fried Chicken pairs wonderfully with a cooling cucumber salad or a classic coleslaw. If you're up for it, serve with homemade cornbread or buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken?: Yes, boneless chicken works well, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?: You can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

Spicy Herb Fried Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by mixing your marinade in a large bowl. Combine the buttermilk with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well blended. Add your chicken pieces to this aromatic bath, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least four hours. If you can, leave it overnight for even more flavor.

When you’re ready to cook, set up your breading station. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This mix will give your chicken that enviable crunch. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated.

Heat your oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or large pot. Carefully lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil, cooking them in batches. This prevents the oil temperature from dropping too much. Fry each batch for about 12-15 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remember, the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safety. Once done, drain the chicken on paper towels and serve while hot.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Packed with bold, aromatic flavors.
Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Easy to make with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Great for a crowd or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

4 lbs chicken pieces

2 cups buttermilk

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 tsp dried thyme

2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

Oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt.

Step 2: Add chicken pieces to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 3: In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and baking soda.

Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then coat each piece in the flour mixture.

Step 5: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.

Step 6: Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes per batch.

Step 7: Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Save Print

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!