Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Description
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a mouth-watering, crispy chicken dish loaded with bold garlic flavor, zesty heat, and rich Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked or fried, this dish delivers a satisfying crunch and tender, juicy meat, making it a perfect choice for game day snacks, dinner parties, or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1.5 lbs (about 700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks or strips
1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper
Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
For the Spicy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
4 tbsp unsalted olive oil
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to spice level)
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot or similar)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional for balance)
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix chicken pieces with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
2. Prepare the Coating:
In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne.
3. Coat and Fry:
Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess, and dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Fry in batches for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in hot sauce, Parmesan cheese, and honey (if using).
Toss the fried chicken pieces in the sauce until fully coated.
5. Serve:
Garnish with more Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot with dipping sauces or sides like fries, rice, or salad.
Time Required
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (minimum)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 4 servings)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~550 kcal
Protein 35g
Carbohydrates 25g
Fat 35g
Saturated Fat 12g
Cholesterol 120mg
Sodium 700mg
Fiber 1g
Sugar 3g
Note: Values may vary based on exact ingredients and cooking method.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I bake instead of frying?
A: Yes! Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet or wire rack. Spray with oil and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: Is it spicy?
A: Mild to medium spicy. Adjust red pepper flakes and hot sauce to your preference.
Q: Can I use chicken wings instead?
A: Absolutely. This recipe works great with wings. Adjust frying or baking time as needed.
Q: How to store and reheat?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for best crispiness.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free flour and check that all sauces and se
asonings are certified gluten-free