Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a Southern comfort food paradise! This Fried Chicken Over Wild Rice recipe isn't just another dinner—it's a flavor explosion that combines the irresistible crunch of perfectly golden fried chicken with the nutty, earthy goodness of wild rice. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress your family or a food enthusiast craving authentic Southern cuisine, this recipe promises to deliver a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) in the refrigerator to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.
- In a separate shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the coating mixture.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each thigh thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C), using a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent temperature.
- Meanwhile, prepare wild rice according to package instructions, typically by rinsing rice and cooking in water or broth for approximately 45-50 minutes until grains are tender and slightly split.
- Carefully place coated chicken thighs into hot oil, cooking for 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure golden brown color and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from oil and let drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Plate the wild rice, top with fried chicken thighs, and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Tips
- Marinating is Key: Don't rush the buttermilk soak! Letting chicken marinate overnight ensures maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
- Temperature Matters: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain oil at exactly 350°F for crispy, not greasy chicken.
- Drainage is Crucial: Always let fried chicken rest on a wire rack or paper towels to keep the coating crisp and remove excess oil.
- Rice Perfection: Rinse wild rice before cooking to remove any dust and ensure a fluffy, separate grain texture.
- Seasoning Hack: Add a pinch of cayenne to your flour mixture for an extra kick of heat if you like spicy chicken.
- Oil Selection: Choose oils with high smoke points like peanut or vegetable oil for the best frying results.
- Safety First: Always check that chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 150mg
