Irresistible Garlic Fried Chicken Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Recipe By:
Melisa Egan
Updated:

Garlic Fried Chicken is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds dance and your heart sing. Imagine biting into golden, crispy chicken, infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen. Every crunch is followed by a burst of flavor that sends your senses into overdrive. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or whenever you’re craving something downright delicious.

I remember the first time I made Garlic Fried Chicken for my friends during a game night. The sizzle of the chicken in the pan was like music to my ears, and soon enough, my friends were hovering around the kitchen, lured in by that mouthwatering scent. It quickly became a staple in our get-togethers because who can resist crispy chicken coated in garlic goodness?

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This delightful Garlic Fried Chicken recipe is simple yet packed with flavor; you can whip it up in under an hour.
  • The golden-brown crust adds visual appeal and crunch that everyone loves.
  • Enjoy it as a main dish or toss it into salads for an extra kick.
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit any occasion from casual dinners to festive celebrations.

The feedback from my friends was priceless; they couldn’t get enough and insisted I make it every time we gathered.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs provide juiciness and tenderness; they’re my go-to choice for frying.

  • Fresh Garlic: Use whole cloves for maximum flavor; there’s nothing like freshly minced garlic.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a crispy coating; lightly season it for extra flavor.

  • Eggs: These will help the flour stick to the chicken perfectly; use large eggs for best results.

  • Vegetable Oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil for frying.

  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances all flavors; don’t skip this step!

  • Paprika: Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor; consider smoked paprika for extra depth.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Garlic Fried Chicken

How to Make Garlic Fried Chicken

Prep the Chicken: Start by patting dry 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs with paper towels to ensure crispiness when fried. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Prepare the Coating: In one bowl, whisk together two large eggs until frothy. In another bowl, combine one cup of all-purpose flour with salt and pepper—this will be your crispy coating.

Dredge Like a Pro: Take each piece of seasoned chicken and dip it first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before coating it evenly in the seasoned flour. Make sure each piece is fully covered.

Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about two inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking—around 350°F (175°C) works wonders.

Add Garlic & Fry Away!: Once the oil reaches temperature, add minced garlic (about four cloves) first to infuse flavor into your oil. Then carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil without crowding them. Fry until golden brown on both sides—about 6-8 minutes per side.

Drain and Serve Hot!: Remove crispy chicken from oil and let drain on paper towels while you resist nibbling on them immediately! Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside rice for a complete meal.

Enjoy making this Garlic Fried Chicken—it’s bound to become a family favorite!

Tips for Garlic Fried Chicken

  • To achieve the best garlic fried chicken, focus on marinating the chicken overnight.
  • The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
  • Also, using fresh garlic instead of powdered enhances the taste significantly.
  • Finally, double fry for extra crispiness.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken pieces in garlic and spices. Once they’re ready, coat with flour and fry until golden brown, ensuring to turn each piece for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. You can also add herbs such as thyme or rosemary to elevate the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover garlic fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use a thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • Letting the chicken rest after frying helps retain moisture and improve texture.
  • When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.

Cooking this garlic fried chicken reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would fight over the last piece—definitely a compliment to my cooking skills!

FAQ

What type of chicken is best for Garlic Fried Chicken?

Bone-in, skin-on pieces give the best flavor and juiciness when fried.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken cooks faster but may lack some flavor depth.

How can I make Garlic Fried Chicken less greasy?

Double frying allows excess oil to drain off while keeping the coating crispy and light.

Print

Garlic Fried Chicken

Garlic Fried Chicken is a mouthwatering delight that elevates any meal with its crispy, golden exterior and aromatic garlic flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish brings warmth and joy to the table. With each bite, experience a satisfying crunch followed by juicy tenderness, making it an instant favorite for all occasions.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. In one bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. In another bowl, mix flour with salt and pepper.
  3. Dredge each chicken piece in egg first, then coat evenly with seasoned flour.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to around 350°F (175°C).
  5. Add minced garlic to the hot oil for flavor, then fry chicken pieces without crowding until golden brown (about 6-8 minutes per side).
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 150g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor. Experiment with spices like cayenne or herbs such as thyme for added depth. Double-fry for extra crispiness if desired.

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