Fried Chicken by Jamie Oliver

Delicious marinated and crispy baked chicken thighs - A recipe that will delight your taste buds!

Total time: 15-20 minutes preparation + 14-20 hours marinating + 30-40 minutes baking
Number of servings: 4-6

When you think of a comforting and flavorful meal, chicken thighs are a must on the menu. This recipe is a perfect combination of a flavorful, crispy marinade and tender meat that will turn a simple meal into a true culinary feast. With a little preparation time and careful marinating, you will achieve chicken that melts in your mouth, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Necessary ingredients:
- 3 whole chicken thighs
- 100 g salt
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 clove of garlic, sliced
- 500 ml buttermilk
- 150 g flour
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the bottom of the pan)

Step 1: Marinating the meat
The highlight of our recipe is the marinade, which gives the chicken a unique flavor. In a larger pot, add 100 g of salt, the rosemary sprigs, pepper, paprika, garlic slices, and bay leaves. All these will blend perfectly to form a flavorful marinade. Add 0.5 liters of water and place the pot on the heat, allowing it to boil. When the marinade begins to boil, add another cup of water and let it cool.

Helpful tips: Make sure all the ingredients are fresh, especially the rosemary, which will bring a distinct note to the dish.

Step 2: Preparing the meat
Meanwhile, clean the chicken thighs, wash them well under cold water, and let them drain. Once the marinade has cooled, add the thighs to the pot and ensure they are completely covered by the liquid. Put the lid on and refrigerate for 10-12 hours. Marinating is essential, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Additional marination
After 10-12 hours, remove the thighs from the marinade and place them in another bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for another 4-8 hours. The buttermilk will add an incredible soft texture to the meat.

Step 4: Preparing for frying
In a bowl, mix the flour with the garlic powder and paprika. You can also add other preferred spices to customize the recipe (e.g., oregano, thyme, or even a bit of chili for a spicier taste).

Step 5: Frying the thighs
In a deep frying pan, heat the oil (make sure it is enough to cover the bottom of the pan). When the oil is well heated, take the chicken thighs and coat them in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered. Fry them until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Drain them from oil and place them on a prepared baking tray.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray with the chicken thighs in the oven and let them bake for 30-40 minutes until they are golden brown and tender.

Serving
These chicken thighs are delicious served hot, alongside various side dishes. I recommend pairing them with a fresh vegetable salad or mashed potatoes to create a contrast of textures and flavors.

Serving suggestions: You can drizzle the thighs with a little freshly squeezed lemon juice or garlic sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Variations: Instead of rosemary, you can use other herbs like basil or mint. Add a few slices of lemon to the marinade for a fresher taste.

Nutritional information: This chicken thigh recipe is rich in protein, and the buttermilk adds a dose of calcium. The flour contributes carbohydrates, while the spices add antioxidants. A serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, the recipe also works with chicken breast or even turkey meat.

2. Is marinating necessary?
Yes, marinating is essential to achieve tender and flavorful meat.

3. Can I grill the thighs?
Sure, after marinating, you can prepare the thighs on the grill for a delicious smoky flavor.

These marinated and crispy baked chicken thighs are an excellent choice for a family dinner or a special occasion. I wish you a good appetite and can’t wait to hear how they turned out!