Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken

Name: Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: 3 lbs chicken pieces (thighs and breasts), patted dry; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp black pepper; 1.5 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; 2 cups vegetable oil

Crispy, golden fried chicken with a bold blend of warm spices and a signature pepper kick. A viral sensation with a perfectly seasoned coating and juicy interior.

45 minMediumServes 4480 cal/serving

West AfricanDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

3 lbs chicken pieces (thighs and breasts), patted dry
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp black pepper
1.5 tsp salt
1/2 tsp red chili flakes
2 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

1

Marinate 3 lbs patted dry chicken pieces (thighs and breasts) in 2 cups buttermilk for at least 2 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator.
2

Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp black pepper, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes in a shallow bowl.
3

Remove chicken from buttermilk and coat thoroughly in the spiced flour mixture.
4

Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F.
5

Carefully add coated chicken to hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
7

Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with pepper sauce or on its own.

Questions

Can I make Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 2 cups buttermilk. Swap the buttermilk for plant milk soured with a teaspoon of vinegar per cup. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 2 cups all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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