Craving a comforting, crispy, and undeniably delicious meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This fried chicken chunks recipe is your ticket to a quick and satisfying dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend gathering. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe focuses on delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, you'll master this recipe in no time. Prepare for a taste explosion!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is your dry dredging mix. Make sure all the spices are well combined for even flavor distribution.
Prepare the Chicken:
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In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. This is your wet dredging mix.
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Dip each chicken chunk into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
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Next, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Shake off any excess flour. This double dredging process is key to creating an extra crispy crust.
Fry the Chicken:
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Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of flour sizzles immediately.
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Carefully place the chicken chunks in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Work in batches if necessary.
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Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Remove the cooked chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your crispy fried chicken chunks immediately. They're delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in greasy chicken. Fry in batches for best results.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the chicken is cooked thoroughly and safely.
- Let the chicken rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after frying helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of chicken.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of your chicken.
Variations:
- Spicy Fried Chicken: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the flour mixture for extra heat.
- Garlic Parmesan Fried Chicken: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for a savory twist.
- Lemon Herb Fried Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) to the flour mixture for a bright and flavorful chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and the type of oil used. Nutritional information is best obtained using a nutrition calculator and your specific ingredients. Generally, fried chicken is higher in calories and fat than other cooking methods.
This easy fried chicken chunks recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. Enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness! This recipe offers a quick dinner idea, a delicious dish, and is perfect for homemade cooking. It's one of the best recipes for a simple yet satisfying meal.