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Cozy Gluten-Free Comfort Food with Crispy Fried Chicken

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A crispy, juicy gluten-free fried chicken recipe that delivers comforting flavor and texture without gluten. Perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups water (950 ml)
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt (60 g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml) or dairy-free milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (120 g)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (60 g)
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying (about 4 cups / 1 liter)

Instructions

  1. Make the brine: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups water, kosher salt, sugar, smashed garlic cloves, and peppercorns. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve. Add chicken pieces, fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
  2. Prepare the coating: In a separate large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  3. Soak the chicken: Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Pour buttermilk into another bowl and dip each piece, ensuring it’s well-coated.
  4. Coat the chicken: Dredge the buttermilk-coated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat the buttermilk dip and flour dredge once more for extra crunch. Place coated pieces on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Heat the oil: Pour oil into a skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry the chicken: Carefully place chicken pieces in hot oil, skin side down, without crowding the pan. Fry in batches if needed. Cook for 7-9 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Drain and rest: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Brining is essential for juicy chicken. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt crust. Double dredge for extra crunch. Rest coated chicken before frying to help coating stick. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain oil temperature. For dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with plant-based milk plus acid. Oven-bake option available at 425°F for 30-35 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: gluten-free fried chicken, crispy fried chicken, comfort food, gluten-free recipe, easy fried chicken, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/cozy-gluten-free-comfort-food-with-crispy-fried-chicken-recipe-made-easy/