Who doesn’t love a good, crispy bucket of fried chicken? It’s the ultimate comfort food that satisfies your taste buds like no other.
But let’s be honest – not all of us are loving that extra layer of flour. Whether it’s due to dietary restrictions or simply looking for a lighter alternative, fret not.
This fried chicken without flour recipe is here to save the day. It’s packed with flavor, spice, and everything nice – minus the flour!
So, what’s the key to achieving that perfect crunch? Let’s find out.
Crispy Fried Chicken Without Flour
The secret to creating the perfect fried chicken lies in the seasoning and cooking technique. While flour is the classical choice, this flourless alternative will make you forget about it altogether!
You’ll still get that incredible golden, crispy exterior, but with the added benefits of a gluten-free recipe.
The combination of various spices, along with clever use of oil, ensures a feast for your taste buds. It hits all the right notes – spicy, savory, and absolutely delicious.
And did we mention how easy it is to make? You won’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated preparation. It’s a straightforward recipe that’ll satisfy your cravings without the excess carbs.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this crave-worthy chicken:
- Chicken Drumettes. You can use other chicken parts, but drumettes are perfect for their size and ease of eating.
- Spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, and Sazon give that incredible flavor. Adjust the amounts according to your preference.
- Butter and Sesame Oil. A small amount of melted butter and sesame oil will add an extra layer of taste and help with the browning.
- Vegetable Oil. You’ll need enough to fill half your pot for frying.
That’s it – just a few simple ingredients and you’re well on your way to finger-licking goodness.
How to Make Flourless Fried Chicken
- Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then place it in a bowl.
- Season. In a separate bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, and Sazon. Sprinkle this all over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Let it rest. Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the oil. In your pot, heat the vegetable oil to 375°F.
- Cook the chicken. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, and cook it for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Finish up. Once cooked, remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
- Optional step. For added richness, mix the melted butter and sesame oil and use it to baste the chicken once it’s out of the fryer.
Note: For the complete list of ingredients and directions, see the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Results
Want to take your chicken to the next level? Keep these tips in mind while prepping and frying:
- Dry, then season. Ensure your chicken is dry before applying the seasonings. This helps them stick better and gives a crispier finish.
- Marinate for longer. For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
- Maintain consistent temperature. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature throughout frying. This ensures a crisp exterior and fully cooked interior.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches, if necessary, to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much.
Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted based on your liking:
- Play with the spices. Feel free to experiment with other spices or seasoning blends. Anything from paprika to cayenne pepper can be added for an extra kick.
- Make it spicy. If you like your chicken hot and spicy, add some red pepper flakes to the mix.
- Make it tangy. You could also squeeze a bit of lemon juice on your chicken once it’s out of the fryer for a tangy twist.
What to Serve With Flourless Fried Chicken
When it comes to sides, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few options to create a complete meal:
- Mashed potatoes. Creamy and smooth potatoes are the perfect complement to juicy fried chicken.
- Cole slaw. A cool, refreshing coleslaw provides a great contrast to the hot chicken.
- Cornbread. You can’t go wrong with some warm, buttery cornbread.
- Biscuits and gravy. Take it up a notch with some flaky biscuits and hearty sausage gravy.
Of course, fried chicken is so versatile it goes well with almost anything! So, feel free to get creative with your sides.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? No problem. Here’s how to store your chicken for later:
- Refrigerate: Allow the chicken to cool down completely, then place it in an airtight container. It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze: If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze your chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until crispy.
Remember to always use your best judgment. If the chicken looks or smells off, it’s better to be safe and discard it.
What to Do With Leftover Chicken
Leftover fried chicken can still be incredibly tasty, even when cold! Here are a few ideas on how to use it:
- Sandwiches. Stuff your chicken between two pieces of bread with some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.
- Salads. Slice or shred your chicken and add it to a fresh salad. It adds a delicious protein boost.
- Tacos or wraps. Warm up your chicken and use it as the filling for tacos or wraps. Top with your favorite veggies, cheese, and sauce.
- Chicken salad. Chop up your chicken and make a delicious chicken salad with mayo, celery, and any other ingredients you like.
- Pasta dishes. Slice your chicken and add it to a creamy pasta for a quick and filling meal.
- Chicken fried rice. Leftover chicken works wonders in a flavorful fried rice dish.
The possibilities are endless – get creative with your leftovers!
Flourless Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 10-12 Chicken Drumettes
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder (to your liking)
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder (to your liking)
- ½ tsp Sazon (to your liking)
- 1 tsp Butter melted
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- Vegetable oil (enough for frying ½ pot)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken drumettes dry with paper towels, then place them in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, and Sazon.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- In a pot, heat enough vegetable oil to fill half the pot to 375°F.
- Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
- Optional step: Mix the melted butter and sesame oil together, then brush the mixture over the chicken for added richness and flavor.
- Serve the flourless fried chicken hot and enjoy its crispy exterior and juicy interior.