Fried chicken is a universally loved dish, with each culture adding its unique twist to this classic. Our Eastern Inspired Fried Chicken takes you on a flavorful journey through the Middle East, combining traditional spices with the crispy goodness that makes fried chicken irresistible. Whether you’re familiar with the bold flavors of Lebanese and Persian cuisine or new to these culinary delights, this recipe will elevate your fried chicken game to a whole new level.
Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious dish.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup of plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works best)
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coating:
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of ground sumac (optional but recommended for its tangy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, making it tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, sumac (if using), black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Let the excess marinade drip off each piece before dredging it in the flour mixture. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure a good coating.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into a large frying pan or deep fryer to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small pinch of flour into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready for frying.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature. Cook each piece for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain the chicken: Once fried, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain the excess oil.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish and enjoy: Serve your Eastern Inspired Fried Chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Pair it with a side of fluffy rice, flatbread, or a crisp salad to complete the meal.
Tips and Variations
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier chicken, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
- Try different cuts of chicken: This recipe works well with drumsticks, wings, or even a whole chicken cut into pieces. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Oven-baked version: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the coated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through.
- Cultural variations: This recipe draws inspiration from Lebanese and Persian cuisines, but you can experiment with other Middle Eastern spices like za’atar or baharat for different flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
Fried chicken is a dish that transcends borders, and our Eastern Inspired Fried Chicken brings a unique twist to this beloved classic. The blend of Middle Eastern spices infuses the chicken with deep, rich flavors that will transport your taste buds to a different part of the world. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.