Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Maple Hot Sauce

Delight your taste buds with our mouthwatering Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken coupled with a tantalizing Maple Hot Sauce. Perfect for family gatherings, weekend treats, or simply to satiate your fried chicken cravings, this recipe promises a balance of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate this delectable dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 large chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Maple Hot Sauce:

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Soak the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the marinade ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Preparing the Flour Coating:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and paprika.
2. Dredge the Chicken: Take the marinated chicken pieces and dredge them in the flour mixture until they are well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Frying the Chicken:

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy.
2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil and fry for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oil and let it rest on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.

Making the Maple Hot Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine maple syrup, hot sauce, butter, and a pinch of salt.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Stir occasionally and allow the mixture to come to a slight simmer. Reduce heat to low and keep warm until ready to serve.

Serving:

1. Drizzle or Dip: You can either drizzle the Maple Hot Sauce over the fried chicken or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
2. Enjoy!: Serve your Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken immediately with the Maple Hot Sauce and your favorite sides.

Pro Tips

• Marinating Time: For an enhanced flavor and tender chicken, let it marinate in the buttermilk mixture overnight.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy.
• Resting the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest on a wire rack prevents it from becoming soggy from sitting in oil.

Conclusion

This Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Maple Hot Sauce recipe pulls together the comforting aspects of Southern cooking with a sweet and spicy twist. Perfect for any day of the week, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its homemade charm and complex flavor profile.