Craving a truly satisfying meal that's both flavorful and fun? Look no further than this buffalo fried chicken recipe! Forget takeout – this homemade version is surprisingly easy to make, delivering crispy, juicy chicken drenched in that iconic spicy buffalo sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's one of those delicious dishes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly manageable, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank's RedHot is classic!)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
For Serving:
- Celery sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is your breading station.
- In a separate shallow dish, pour the buttermilk.
Breading the Chicken:
- Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Dredge the buttermilk-coated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. Set aside on a plate.
Frying the Chicken:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of chicken dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Use a thermometer to ensure it's cooked properly.
Making the Buffalo Sauce:
- While the chicken is frying, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and hot sauce.
Coating and Serving:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Toss the fried chicken in the buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
- Serve immediately with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Fried Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken instead of crispy chicken. Fry in batches to maintain the oil's temperature.
- Use a thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or use a milder hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Double the recipe: This recipe is perfect for sharing, but if you're feeding a crowd, feel free to double (or even triple!) the ingredients.
Variations:
- Honey Garlic Buffalo Chicken: Add a touch of honey to the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Spicy Ranch Dip: Create a spicy ranch dip by mixing your favorite ranch dressing with a little bit of hot sauce.
- BBQ Buffalo Chicken: Instead of buffalo sauce, toss the cooked chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and the amount of oil used. However, a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
Enjoy your incredibly delicious and easy buffalo fried chicken! This simple recipe offers a quick dinner solution or a fantastic appetizer for any occasion. It's a healthy meal choice that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Try it and let us know what you think!