Greek-American Style Crispy Fried Chicken

Ingredients

In this Greek-American adaptation, we infuse the traditional Italian Pollo fritto alla fiorentina with Greek flavors. The original dish is typically seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, while our version incorporates Greek herbs and spices to create a unique fusion of flavors. Additionally, we modify the cooking technique to achieve a crispy exterior that is characteristic of Greek-American fried chicken. We alse have the original recipe for Pollo fritto alla fiorentina, so you can check it out.

• 4 chicken drumsticks 4 chicken drumsticks
• 4 chicken thighs 4 chicken thighs
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken drumsticks and thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. 4.
   Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve hot and enjoy the crispy Greek-American Style Fried Chicken!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Buttermilk — The acidity of buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Dried oregano and thyme — Make sure to crush the dried herbs between your fingers before adding them to the marinade. This helps release their aromatic oils and enhances the flavor.
• Vegetable oil — Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil, for frying. This ensures the chicken achieves a crispy texture without imparting any unwanted flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy crust, double-dredge the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk marinade and then into the flour mixture before frying.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture.
• Serve the fried chicken with a side of tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing twist.
• To ensure even cooking, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F).
• Leftover fried chicken can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold the next day or reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek-American Style Crispy Fried Chicken as a main course alongside traditional Greek sides like Greek salad, roasted lemon potatoes, or spanakopita. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown fried chicken pieces on a platter, garnished with lemon wedges and sprigs of fresh herbs. Serve with the suggested side dishes to create an enticing and colorful spread that showcases the vibrant flavors of Greek-American cuisine.