Fried Chicken Over Wild Rice

Fried Chicken Over Wild Rice

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

  1. 4 chicken thighs
  2. 1 cup wild rice
  3. 1 cup buttermilk
  4. 1 cup flour
  5. 1 teaspoon paprika
  6. 1 teaspoon salt
  7. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  8. Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. In a separate shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the coating mixture.
  3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each thigh thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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).
  7. Remove chicken from oil and let drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  8. Plate the wild rice, top with fried chicken thighs, and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Tips

  1. Marinating is Key: Don't rush the buttermilk soak! Letting chicken marinate overnight ensures maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
  2. Temperature Matters: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain oil at exactly 350°F for crispy, not greasy chicken.
  3. Drainage is Crucial: Always let fried chicken rest on a wire rack or paper towels to keep the coating crisp and remove excess oil.
  4. Rice Perfection: Rinse wild rice before cooking to remove any dust and ensure a fluffy, separate grain texture.
  5. Seasoning Hack: Add a pinch of cayenne to your flour mixture for an extra kick of heat if you like spicy chicken.
  6. Oil Selection: Choose oils with high smoke points like peanut or vegetable oil for the best frying results.
  7. 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

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