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### For the Coating:
1. **All-Purpose Flour**: The flour creates the crispy exterior of the fried chicken. It’s important to use enough flour to coat the chicken thoroughly.
2. **Cornstarch**: Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture helps to make the crust extra crispy.
3. **Cayenne Pepper**: You can add more cayenne to the coating to increase the spice level.
4. **Paprika**: Just like in the marinade, paprika adds flavor to the coating and helps the chicken achieve that beautiful golden color when fried.
5. **Salt and Black Pepper**: These seasonings are essential for ensuring the coating is flavorful.
6. **Baking Powder**: Adding a little baking powder to the coating mix makes the crust puff up, making it light and crispy.
### For Frying:
1. **Vegetable Oil**: A neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, is perfect for frying because it can handle high temperatures without adding unwanted flavor.
### For the Spicy Glaze:
1. **Hot Sauce**: After frying, the chicken is brushed with an extra spicy glaze made from hot sauce. Use a sauce with plenty of heat, such as **Sriracha** or **Chili Garlic Sauce**.
2. **Honey or Sugar**: To balance the heat, a little honey or sugar is added to the glaze, providing sweetness to counteract the spice.
3. **Garlic Powder**: To infuse more flavor into the glaze, garlic powder is a great addition.
4. **Lemon Juice**: Fresh lemon juice is added to the glaze for a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.
5. **Soy Sauce**: Adding soy sauce to the glaze deepens the umami flavor and gives the glaze a rich, savory base.
## Step-by-Step Instructions for Super Spicy Fried Chicken
### Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. **Prep the Chicken**: Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help the marinade and coating adhere better to the meat.
2. **Make the Marinade**: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth.
3. **Marinate the Chicken**: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
### Step 2: Prepare the Coating
1. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**: In a large shallow bowl or dish, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
2. **Coat the Chicken**: After marinating, remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
3. **Double Coat (Optional)**: For an extra-crispy crust, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then dredge it again in the flour mixture. This double coating ensures an extra thick and crunchy exterior.
### Step 3: Heat the Oil
1. **Heat the Oil**: In a deep skillet or large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces about halfway. For deep-frying, the ideal temperature is 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.
### Step 4: Fry the Chicken
1. **Fry the Chicken**: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Fry each piece for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for fully cooked chicken.
2. **Drain the Chicken**: Once the chicken is cooked, use tongs to remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
### Step 5: Make the Spicy Glaze
1. **Prepare the Glaze**: While the chicken is frying, make the spicy glaze. In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, honey (or sugar), garlic powder, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
### Step 6: Glaze the Chicken
1. **Coat the Chicken**: Once all the chicken pieces are fried and drained, use a brush or spoon to coat the chicken generously with the spicy glaze. You can add more hot sauce to the glaze for an extra punch, depending on your heat tolerance.
2. **Serve**: Serve the super spicy fried chicken hot with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
## Tips for the Perfect Super Spicy Fried Chicken
1. **Adjust the Spice Level**: If you want to tone down the heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade and coating, or opt for a milder hot sauce. Conversely, for a real fiery kick, increase the amount of cayenne and use an extra-hot hot sauce.
2. **Let the Chicken Rest**: After frying, let the chicken rest
for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the coating to set.
3. **Use a Thermometer**: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (75°C).
4. **Serve with Cooling Sides**: Pair your spicy fried chicken with cooling sides like a tangy ranch dip, cucumber salad, or a refreshing avocado salsa to balance the heat.
## Conclusion
Super Spicy Fried Chicken is the ultimate dish for spice lovers who want to experience a fiery yet delicious meal. The combination of crispy fried chicken, bold spices, and a fiery glaze makes this recipe a must-try for those who appreciate bold flavors. Whether you’re looking to add some heat to your dinner routine or challenge your friends with a spicy food challenge, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The crispiness of the fried chicken perfectly contrasts the heat from the spicy marinade and glaze, creating a dynamic and unforgettable culinary experience. So gather your ingredients, turn up the heat, and enjoy the bold, fiery flavors of Super Spicy Fried Chicken!
