Are you craving a delicious, juicy, and flavorful chicken dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken-inspired dish brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken that'll have everyone asking for seconds! This is homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a delicious dish the whole family will adore.
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that crispy skin.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt.
Breading and Frying:
- Dip each chicken thigh into the buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Dredge the buttermilk-coated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of breading dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place the chicken thighs in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Serving:
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! This delicious chicken is perfect on its own, with your favorite sides, or in sandwiches.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy chicken. Cook in batches for best results.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your preference.
- Let the chicken rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, or parsley.
- Baked Chicken: For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This easy recipe for Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken-inspired goodness provides a fantastic quick dinner idea and is perfect for those busy weeknights. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal! Remember to share your culinary creations with us! We love seeing your food recipes come to life.