If you love bold, fiery flavors, then this Super Spicy Fried Chicken recipe is for you. This dish takes classic fried chicken to the next level with a blend of spices that pack serious heat. Each piece is marinated in a spicy buttermilk mixture before being dredged in a seasoned flour coating and fried to crispy perfection. The result is chicken that’s juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and brimming with heat. Whether you’re serving it at a party or treating yourself to a fiery meal, this fried chicken will satisfy any craving for heat.
Spicy fried chicken has its roots in many different cuisines, but it’s particularly popular in the southern United States and the Caribbean, where hot peppers and bold spices are a common part of the food culture. This recipe takes inspiration from both regions, using hot sauce, cayenne pepper, paprika, and chili powder to bring layers of heat to each bite.
The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful even after frying. Perfect for those who love their fried chicken with a serious kick, this dish is not for the faint of heart but delivers immense satisfaction for heat lovers.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating time)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 8 pieces of bone-in chicken (legs, thighs, or breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more if you want extra heat)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Coating: In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and turns golden, the oil is ready.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
- Fry the Chicken: Working in batches, carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 10-12 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside cooling sides like coleslaw or cornbread.
This Super Spicy Fried Chicken is not only packed with flavor but also delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Perfect for anyone who enjoys heat, the fiery kick of the cayenne and hot sauce creates a memorable meal that will leave you coming back for more.
