Nothing says comfort food like fried chicken. Whether it’s served as a main dish or an appetizer, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Unfortunately, traditional fried chicken recipes often call for buttermilk, which can have a strong flavor and a high fat content. But don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to make delicious fried chicken without buttermilk. Here’s a simple recipe that you can enjoy without guilt or worry.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken pieces (thighs, legs, wings, etc.)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Use your hands to make sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with oil. Set aside.
2. Make the Breading:
In a shallow bowl or pie plate, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well and set aside.
3. Make the Egg Wash:
In another shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the eggs and milk. Set aside.
4. Bread the Chicken:
Take one piece of chicken and dip it into the egg wash, making sure it is evenly coated. Then, dip the chicken into the breading, making sure it is evenly coated. Place the breaded chicken on a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to the skillet so that it is about 1/4 inch deep. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Serve:
Serve the fried chicken with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
If you don’t have any buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. You can also use yogurt or sour cream in place of buttermilk.
For a spicier version, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg wash. You can also try adding some finely chopped herbs, such as parsley, rosemary, or thyme, to the breading for extra flavor.
For a crunchy version, double-dip the chicken in the egg wash and breading. First, dip the chicken in the egg wash and then in the breading. Then, dip the chicken again in the egg wash and the breading.
Conclusion:
Fried chicken without buttermilk is still just as delicious as traditional fried chicken. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the flavor and texture of fried chicken without the guilt. Make sure to follow the instructions closely, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices. With a little creativity, you can make a delicious fried chicken dinner without buttermilk.
