barbecue fried chicken recipe

barbecue fried chicken recipe

The Best barbecue fried chicken recipe

I’m so excited to share this amazing barbecue fried chicken recipe with you all! This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday meal, or just a regular Tuesday night.

I first discovered this recipe on a trip to the southern United States, where barbecue is a way of life. The rich flavors and tender textures of the chicken had me hooked from the very first bite. As soon as I got home, I started experimenting with different seasonings and techniques to create my own version of this beloved dish.

And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer for our family. My kids love it when I serve it up at home, and my husband can’t get enough of the crispy outside and juicy inside. Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy considering how delicious it is!

The key to making great barbecue fried chicken is in the technique – you want to make sure your chicken is nice and tender before you start cooking it. This means using a combination of buttermilk and hot sauce to marinate the chicken, which helps break down the proteins and makes it super tender. Then, you want to dredge the chicken in a mixture of flour, spices, and herbs before frying it up in a skillet.

This gives the chicken that perfect crunch on the outside and stays juicy on the inside. I like to serve this dish with a side of coleslaw or baked beans for a classic Southern-style meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Barbecue Fried Chicken

Barbecue Fried Chicken

4.8 from 820 votes

Crispy fried chicken coated in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce. This dish combines the crunch of classic fried chicken with the bold flavors of your favorite barbecue sauce.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Barbecue Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce.
2Add chicken thighs, turning to coat.
3Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to tenderize and flavor the meat.
4In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
5Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
6Shake off any excess flour.
7Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of 2 inches.
8Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer.
9Working in batches, carefully add chicken pieces skin-side down, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
10Fry chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
11The chicken should be crispy and cooked through.
12Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain.
13While the chicken fries, make the barbecue sauce.
14In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
15Whisk over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer.
16Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
17Brush the fried chicken generously with the warm barbecue sauce on all sides.
18Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Shallow dish
Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Deep-fry thermometer
Tongs
Wire rack set over baking sheet
Small saucepan
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For extra crispy chicken, let the dredged chicken rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before frying. You can use store-bought barbecue sauce to save time.

Watch Video Of How Barbecue Fried Chicken Works

This barbecue fried chicken recipe is always a hit with my family and friends – whether we’re having a casual dinner at home or entertaining guests at a party.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – simply pop it in the oven or microwave until warmed through, and you’re good to go!

You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecue Fried Chicken

Q: What type of flour is best for making barbecue fried chicken?

For this recipe, I like to use all-purpose flour as the base for my breading mixture. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or almond flour, for a gluten-free or low-carb option.

Q: Can I use store-bought hot sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, you can definitely use store-bought hot sauce if you prefer. Just keep in mind that homemade hot sauce has a richer flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttermilk marinade.

Q: How do I know if my chicken is cooked through?

The best way to check if your chicken is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the marinade and breading mixture ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and fry the chicken just before serving.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

No, this recipe uses animal products (buttermilk and eggs) so it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. However, you can easily adapt this recipe to be plant-based by substituting these ingredients with vegan alternatives.

Similar Posts