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Crispy Spicy Bourbon Street Chicken Recipe with Easy Steak Fries

crispy spicy bourbon street chicken - featured image

A flavorful and crispy fried chicken dish with a spicy bourbon glaze, paired with crispy baked steak fries. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (can substitute chicken breasts)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey (optional but recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute almond or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
  • Vegetable oil (preferably grapeseed oil) for frying
  • 4 large russet potatoes, cut into thick steak fries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, bourbon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
  2. Prepare the steak fries: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
  3. Coat the chicken: Place flour in a bowl. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge in flour. For extra crunch, double-dip by dipping back into marinade and flour again. Shake off excess.
  4. Fry the chicken: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken pieces 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Drain on a wire rack.
  5. Make the bourbon glaze: In a small saucepan, combine bourbon, honey, hot sauce, and soy sauce. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
  6. Glaze and serve: Brush glaze generously over hot fried chicken. Serve immediately with steak fries.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt chicken. Double dredging the chicken in marinade and flour gives extra crunch. Use a wire rack to drain chicken to keep crust crispy. Glaze is best brushed on just before serving. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or chickpea flour. For dairy-free, replace buttermilk with coconut milk plus vinegar. Can bake chicken at 425°F for 25-30 minutes as a healthier alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon chicken, spicy fried chicken, crispy chicken, steak fries, bourbon glaze, southern cooking, comfort food, easy dinner