Crispy Homemade Cajun Fried Chicken
Flavorful Cajun-Style Fried Chicken Strips Made at Home!
You can make delicious Cajun chicken right in your own kitchen. Enjoy this recipe for crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside fried chicken.
Cajun Chicken Marinade Ingredients- 300g chicken tenderloins or chicken breast
- 4 pinches of salt (approx. 1/2 tsp)
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp almond milk (or regular milk)
- 1/2 Tbsp cayenne pepper (or mild red pepper flakes)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or sake)
- 1 egg
- A little dried parsley (for garnish)
Crispy Breading Ingredients- 130g all-purpose flour
- 60g potato starch (or cornstarch)
- 1/3 Tbsp cayenne pepper (or mild red pepper flakes)
- 2 pinches of salt (approx. 1/4 tsp)
- A pinch of black pepper
- 130g all-purpose flour
- 60g potato starch (or cornstarch)
- 1/3 Tbsp cayenne pepper (or mild red pepper flakes)
- 2 pinches of salt (approx. 1/4 tsp)
- A pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the chicken. Cut 300g of chicken tenderloins or breast into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with 4 pinches of salt, a pinch of black pepper, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 3 Tbsp of almond milk (or regular milk), 1/2 Tbsp cayenne pepper (you can add a bit more if you like it spicier), and 1 Tbsp of cooking wine. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This marination step will make the chicken more tender and flavorful.
Step 2
After marinating, crack 1 egg into the bowl with the chicken and mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the egg. This coating helps the breading stick better to the chicken.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the crispy breading. In a wide bowl, combine 130g of all-purpose flour, 60g of potato starch (using potato starch will result in an extra crispy texture), 1/3 Tbsp of cayenne pepper, 2 pinches of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk or use a fork to mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly until there are no lumps. This ensures an even coating.
Step 4
Take the egg-coated chicken pieces one by one and place them into the breading mixture. Gently toss them around to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the flour mixture. It’s important to get an even layer of breading on all sides.
Step 5
Next, take the breaded chicken pieces and dip them briefly into a separate bowl containing about half of the breading mixture. Immediately after, lightly dip these pieces into cold water (or ice water). This step creates a slightly wet surface, which is key to achieving an extra crispy double coating when fried. Be careful not to over-soak the chicken; a quick dip is all that’s needed.
Step 6
After the quick dip in cold water, return the chicken pieces to the bowl with the reserved breading mixture. Now, press the flour mixture onto the chicken pieces firmly, ensuring a thick, craggy coating. This double coating with a wet layer in between will create a wonderfully crispy texture after frying. Try not to clump the breading together too much.
Step 7
Once the chicken pieces are double-coated, gently shake off any excess flour so they don’t stick together. Place the prepared chicken pieces aside, ready for frying. It’s best to coat the chicken just before you plan to fry it.
Step 8
Now it’s time to fry! Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat to about 170-180°C (340-350°F). Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the coating is crispy. Flip the pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 9
Once perfectly fried, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Sprinkle a little dried parsley over the hot chicken for garnish and a hint of fresh aroma. This homemade Cajun fried chicken will be incredibly crispy on the outside and wonderfully juicy on the inside, making it a delight for everyone. Enjoy this delicious treat with or without your favorite dipping sauce!
