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Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken

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

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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. 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. 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. 3

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

  4. 4

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

  5. 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. 6

    Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

  7. 7

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

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Questions

What is Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken?

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. This reference files it under West African dinner: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 45 minutes start to finish.

What oven temperature does Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken need?

For Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken, the oven is set to 350 F (about 175 C) in step 4. The target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 5. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

How long should Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken marinate?

Step 1 reads: "Marinate 3 lbs patted dry chicken pieces (thighs and breasts) in 2 cups buttermilk for at least 2 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator." Follow the time in step 1. Shorter still seasons the surface. Much longer is not better with acidic marinades, which turn the outside of meat or fish mushy.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk in Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken?

The entry for Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken calls for 2 cups buttermilk. In its place: Stir a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a cup of milk and let it stand five minutes. Plain yogurt thinned with milk also works.

Is Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken spicy?

Moderately. The heat in Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken comes from 1 tsp cayenne pepper and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. For a milder plate, halve the cayenne; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I start Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken the day before?

Yes. Step 1 is a built-in pause of overnight, or about 8 hours: "Marinate 3 lbs patted dry chicken pieces (thighs and breasts) in 2 cups buttermilk for at least 2 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator." Do everything up to that point ahead of time and pick up at step 2 when you are ready to finish.

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