Best Cajun Fried Chicken Recipe

This Best Cajun Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden perfection with a kick of bold Cajun spices. Juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a flavorful twist. Whether served with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Indulge in the perfect balance of heat and crunch with every bite. This Cajun fried chicken is seasoned to perfection with a homemade spice blend and fried to a golden crisp. It’s a family-friendly favorite, and the flavors will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana.

Tools to Use

Deep fryer or large heavy skillet
Meat thermometer
Mixing bowls
Tongs
Wire rack
Paper towels

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4-6 bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts)
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)

For the Cajun Spice Blend:

1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

For the Coating:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
2 teaspoons of the Cajun spice blend (from above)
Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour in the buttermilk and hot sauce. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Make the Cajun Spice Blend:
In a small bowl, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons of the Cajun spice blend. Mix well.
Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
Heat the Oil:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Drain and Rest:
Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve:
Sprinkle with a pinch of the remaining Cajun spice blend and serve hot with your favorite sides.

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Best Cajun Fried Chicken Recipe

This Best Cajun Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden perfection with a kick of bold Cajun spices. Juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a flavorful twist. Whether served with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Equipment

Deep fryer or large heavy skillet
Meat thermometer
Mixing bowls
Tongs
Wire rack
Paper towels

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
4-6 bone-in chicken pieces legs, thighs, or breasts
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce optional, for extra heat
For the Cajun Spice Blend:
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
For the Coating:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch for extra crispiness
2 teaspoons of the Cajun spice blend from above
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour in the buttermilk and hot sauce. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Make the Cajun Spice Blend:
In a small bowl, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons of the Cajun spice blend. Mix well.
Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
Heat the Oil:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Drain and Rest:
Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve:
Sprinkle with a pinch of the remaining Cajun spice blend and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips for Cooking

Marinate longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F for even cooking and a crispy crust.
Test with a thermometer: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This Cajun fried chicken combines the classic crunch of fried chicken with the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning. It’s a standout dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. The homemade spice blend ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Bring the taste of Louisiana to your kitchen with this Best Cajun Fried Chicken recipe. Crispy, juicy, and bursting with bold flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!