If you’re a fan of both crispy fried chicken and smoky BBQ flavors, this Bar-B-Fried Chicken recipe has you covered. This dish combines the best of both worlds: crunchy, golden fried chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky barbecue sauce that clings to each piece. Every bite is a delicious mix of textures and flavors, with the juicy chicken inside, a crispy fried coating, and the bold, saucy barbecue finish. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for game day, family gatherings, or whenever you want to impress friends with a truly mouth-watering meal.
What makes Bar-B-Fried Chicken so irresistible is the way the sauce clings to the crispy coating, creating an ideal balance of crunch and flavor. The homemade BBQ sauce brings a lovely mix of sweetness and tanginess, with a bit of spice if you like, which perfectly complements the fried chicken. This recipe works great with drumsticks, thighs, or even wings, giving you plenty of options to suit everyone’s taste. And if you’re serving a crowd, it’s easy to double or triple the batch.
This dish is surprisingly easy to prepare! Start with marinated chicken, dredge in seasoned flour, and fry until crispy. The BBQ sauce, warmed up to bring out its full flavor, is then tossed with the hot fried chicken to coat each piece generously. Serve this Bar-B-Fried Chicken with sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, or corn on the cob for a complete meal that’ll be a huge hit. Let’s get into the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Fried Chicken:
• 1 lb chicken drumsticks or thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
For the BBQ Sauce:
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over it, and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible. This will help tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
2. Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce (if using), and smoked paprika. Warm the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
3. Bread the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge it in the flour mixture until fully coated.
4. Fry the Chicken: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches and fry for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Coat in BBQ Sauce: Place the fried chicken in a large bowl and pour the warm BBQ sauce over it. Toss the chicken gently to coat each piece in the sauce.
6. Serve: Serve the Bar-B-Fried Chicken hot with sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, or corn on the cob. Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy fried chicken and tangy barbecue flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well and will cook faster than bone-in cuts. Adjust the frying time as they may only need about 8-10 minutes to cook through.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all great options for frying chicken because of their high smoke points and neutral flavors.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
For a lighter version, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through. Then toss it in the BBQ sauce as directed.
How do I make the BBQ sauce less sweet?
If you prefer a tangier sauce, reduce or omit the honey and add a bit more apple cider vinegar for a sharper flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Bar-B-Fried Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy.
Bar-B-Fried Chicken is an unforgettable blend of textures and flavors, with the perfect balance of crispy fried chicken and rich barbecue goodness. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’ll make any meal feel special. Serve it with your favorite sides, and get ready for a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Enjoy!
