Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen! Our Fajita Spice Marinated Fried Chicken is a delightful twist on classic fried chicken, infused with zesty fajita seasoning and a creamy buttermilk marinade. In just 45 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, perfect for impressing family and friends or simply treating yourself to a delicious dinner. Don’t miss out on this irresistible recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- Oil for frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken thighs. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the marinade adhere better.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the fajita seasoning and buttermilk. Stir until the seasoning is well incorporated into the buttermilk.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavor.
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. In a shallow dish, place the flour and season it with a pinch of salt to taste.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of flour into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- While the oil is heating, take each marinated chicken thigh and dredge it in the seasoned flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour before placing it in the hot oil.
- Carefully place the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Cook the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help retain the juices.
- Serve the fajita spice marinated fried chicken with your choice of sides, such as rice, beans, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired meal!
Tips
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 20 minutes is sufficient, letting the chicken marinate for several hours or overnight will deepen the flavor and make the chicken even more tender.
- Check Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. A simple test is to drop a small piece of flour into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can lead to soggy chicken. Give each piece enough space to cook evenly.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the fried chicken to rest on paper towels for a few minutes helps absorb excess oil and keeps the meat juicy.
- Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair your fajita spice marinated fried chicken with fresh sides like a crisp salad, seasoned rice, or classic Mexican beans for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 308kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
