Are you craving a juicy, crispy piece of fried chicken but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This recipe delivers incredible flavor and texture without the fuss. It’s a perfect blend of classic fried chicken goodness with a tangy mustard glaze that elevates it to another level. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying, healthy-ish, and delicious meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and adds a unique twist to your favorite comfort food.
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 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 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
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For the Mustard Glaze:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that extra-crispy skin.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a separate shallow dish, pour the buttermilk.
- Dip each chicken thigh in the buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Dredge the buttermilk-coated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres well. Set aside.
Frying the Chicken to Perfection
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of flour sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place the chicken thighs in the hot oil, skin-side down. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary.
- Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Making the Zesty Mustard Glaze
- While the chicken is frying, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
Glazing and Serving
- Once the chicken is cooked and slightly cooled, brush the mustard glaze generously over each piece.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Fried Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
- 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 final product.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the flour mixture or glaze.
- Sweet and Savory: Increase the honey in the glaze for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Herb Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the flour mixture for an aromatic twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a truly satisfying and memorable meal. The crispy skin, juicy meat, and tangy mustard glaze create a culinary masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to achieve. Enjoy this fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes and healthy meals!