Ingredients:
For the Fried Chicken:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (breast, thighs, or drumsticks)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Passion Fruit Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh passion fruit pulp (from 4-5 passion fruits)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the beaten eggs.
3. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat enough vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or deep fryer to reach 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it again in the flour.
- Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry for 12-15 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. (The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).)
- Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Passion Fruit Sauce (While Chicken Fries):
- In a small saucepan, combine the passion fruit pulp, chicken broth, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes translucent (around 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice and butter. Let the sauce cool slightly.
5. Serve:
- Serve the fried chicken hot on a plate with the passion fruit sauce drizzled on top. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips:
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade and the hot sauce (if using) to your desired spice level.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serving Options: This fried chicken with passion fruit sauce can be served with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or your favorite vegetables.
Enjoy this unique and flavorful fusion dish of Fried Chicken with Passion Fruit Sauce!