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Crispy 25-Minute Picnic Fried Chicken

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A quick and easy fried chicken recipe featuring boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and coated with a crispy seasoned flour mixture. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil or canola oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: Pour 1 cup (240ml) of buttermilk over the chicken thighs in a mixing bowl. Let soak for at least 10 minutes (minimum 5 minutes if short on time).
  2. Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Heat the oil: Pour oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a pinch of flour into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
  4. Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere and shaking off excess.
  5. Fry the chicken: Place chicken pieces carefully in hot oil without overcrowding. Fry 4-5 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Adjust heat to maintain oil temperature.
  6. Drain and rest: Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep crust crisp. Let rest for a few minutes.
  7. Serve immediately: Best served fresh and crispy, paired with sides like green salad or coleslaw.

Notes

Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil to avoid burning. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for best results. Let chicken rest on a wire rack after frying to keep crust crispy. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with coconut milk mixed with lemon juice. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep oil temperature steady.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried chicken, quick dinner, crispy chicken, buttermilk chicken, weeknight meal, picnic food, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/crispy-25-minute-picnic-fried-chicken-recipe-for-easy-weeknight-meals/