Are you craving a delicious, crispy fried chicken dinner that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Serbian fried chicken recipe is a family favorite, offering a unique twist on a classic dish. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience the ultimate combination of crispy, juicy chicken and incredibly aromatic spices. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals, delivering a delicious dish without hours of cooking.
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika (sweet or smoked, to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is your flavorful dredging mixture. Set aside.
Marinating the Chicken:
- In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk will result in incredibly juicy and tender meat.
Frying the Chicken:
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Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of chicken dropped in sizzles immediately.
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Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
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Carefully place the chicken thighs in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This will help maintain the crispy exterior.
Serving Your Delicious Serbian Fried Chicken:
- Serve your crispy, flavorful Serbian fried chicken immediately. It's perfect with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious juice.
Tips for the Best Serbian Fried Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy, not crispy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Use a thermometer: This ensures the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat, or experiment with other herbs and spices like cumin or thyme.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and marinade it overnight, making for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Variations:
- Lemon-Herb Fried Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the buttermilk marinade, along with some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Spicy Serbian Fried Chicken: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion size. Enjoy your homemade cooking experience and this delicious Serbian fried chicken recipe! It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of best recipes. This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights.