Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food enjoyed around the world. But sometimes you want to add a little extra kick to your crispy, golden fried chicken. That’s where spicy fried chicken comes in!
Making spicy fried chicken at home is easy to do With just a few extra spices and a spicy marinade, you can transform classic fried chicken into a mouth-watering, fiery dish
Choose Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Pieces
For the best texture and flavor, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, wings, or a mix. The bone helps keep the meat juicy and prevents it from drying out during frying. And don’t discard the skin – it gets ultra-crispy and delicious when fried.
If using breasts, go for bone-in split breasts over boneless for added moisture. Avoid boneless, skinless cuts which can end up dry.
Marinate in Spicy Buttermilk
Buttermilk marinade is the secret to juicy, tender fried chicken. For spicy fried chicken, mix in hot sauce – about 1/2 cup per 2 cups buttermilk. Louisiana-style hot sauces like Tabasco work great.
For more heat, use a hotter variety like Tabasco Habanero, Cholula Chili Lime, or Queen Majesty Scotch Bonnet & Ginger. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
Amp Up Your Dredge
After soaking in spicy buttermilk, dredge the chicken in flour seasoned with spices. For spicy fried chicken, add 1-2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper and black pepper to the flour. You can also throw in chili powder or other dried chiles.
Let the dredged chicken rest for 20-30 minutes before frying This helps the coating adhere better for an ultra crispy crust.
Fry in a Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets are the ideal pans for frying chicken. Their thick, heavy material maintains even heat.
For crispy chicken, pan fry in 1/2 inch of oil at 325-350°F. canola, vegetable, peanut, or lard work well. Use a thermometer to monitor temperature. Cook until deeply golden brown, about 15-20 minutes total, flipping halfway.
Finish with Extra Spice
Once fried, sprinkle with more cayenne or chili powder if you want an extra kick. Serve with hot sauce on the side. Cooling sides like coleslaw or buttermilk biscuits balance the heat.
For spicy fried chicken sandwiches, use boneless thighs and pile on sliced pickled peppers. A smear of spicy mayo brings even more flavor.
Tips for Spicy Fried Chicken Success
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For mild spice, use a Louisiana-style hot sauce in the buttermilk brine. For intense heat, opt for habanero-based sauces.
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Let the marinated chicken rest after dredging for 20-30 minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick better.
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Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and steaming instead of crisping the crust.
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Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness – the internal temperature should hit 165°F.
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Keep the oil between 325-350°F as you fry. Proper oil temperature prevents greasy chicken.
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Allow the fried chicken to drain on a wire rack or paper towels before serving.
With these tips, you’ll be a spicy fried chicken expert in no time! Adjust the heat to your preferences with the hot sauce and spices. Serve it up hot with all your favorite sides for a lip-smacking meal.
This chicken can just be “regular” if you decide to leave out the hot sauce and cayenne. Alternatively, it can be made “extremely hot” by increasing the amount of either ingredient (not sure? can always serve hot sauce on the side). While I prefer the act of using the whole bird cut up into 10 even pieces—sometimes you want a wing AND a thigh—any bone-in, skin-on parts will work here. For sandwiches, boneless, skinless thighs are the move. Regardless of the meat, don’t neglect the step where you mix the flour with the wet to create those shaggy, craggy bits.
YIELD — 4–6 servings
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1 4-4 ½ pound chicken, broken down into parts (or 2 pounds boneless, skinless thighs if making sandwiches)
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1 cup pickle juice
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1 cup buttermilk
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3 tablespoons hot sauce, such as franks, tabasco, cholula, crystal, or queen majesty (more if you want it even spicier)
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2–4 cloves garlic, grated (depending on how garlicky you like it)
Spicy Fried chicken better than KFC!
FAQ
How to make your fried chicken spicy?
Hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade and cayenne in the breading equals seriously spicy bliss.
What are the best spices for fried chicken?
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
- 1 teaspoon celery salt.
- ½ tablespoon black pepper.
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder.
- 2 tablespoons paprika.
- 2 tablespoons garlic salt.
- 1 tablespoon powdered ginger.
- 1 tablespoon white pepper.
What are the secret seasonings for fried chicken?
Key Ingredients for Fried Chicken
Seasoning mixture: Make a flavorful seasoning mixture with smoked paprika, white pepper, garlic powder, ground ginger, celery salt, black pepper, ground mustard, dried thyme, dried basil, and dried oregano.