Bojangles Chicken Recipe

I’ve spent countless hours perfecting the Bojangles Chicken recipe, and let me tell you, the glory is all in the seasoning!

Achieving that signature Bojangles’ crunch begins with a well-spiced flour blend and a double-dipping technique I swear by.

Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before frying – it’s crucial for that golden, crispy exterior.

I love this recipe for its robust flavor and that satisfying crunch with every bite.

How to Make Bojangles Chicken

Ingredients List

To make Bojangles Chicken, you will need:

• 4 bone-in chicken pieces (breasts or thighs)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon paprika powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for deep frying

Step-by-step process

Step 1. Marinate the Chicken:

First, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce in a medium bowl.

Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, making sure they are fully coated in the marinade.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Step 2. Prepare the Seasoning Blend:

While your chicken is marinating, mix the self-rising flour, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.

This is your seasoning blend that will give the Bojangles Chicken its signature flavor.

Step 3. Coat the Chicken:

Once the chicken has marinated, dip each piece into the prepared seasoning blend, ensuring an even coating.

Shake off any excess flour and set the coated chicken pieces aside.

Step 4. Preheat the Oil:

Pour enough vegetable oil to cover the chicken pieces in a deep frying pan or pot.

Heat the oil to a temperature of 350°F (175°C).

Step 5. Fry the Chicken:

Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil.

Fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and turn golden brown.

Step 6. Drain and Serve:

Carefully remove the fried chicken pieces from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Serve your Bojangles Chicken while it’s still hot, and enjoy the crisp, flavorful coating and juicy meat!

Side Dishes for Bojangles Chicken

When enjoying a flavorful Bojangles Chicken meal, you may want to have some delicious and complementary side dishes.

Here are some popular options to consider:

Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk biscuits are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with Bojangles Chicken.

These fluffy, buttery biscuits serve as a great palate cleanser between bites of fried chicken.

Additionally, they can be used to mop up any leftover sauce or gravy on your plate.

Dirty Rice

Dirty Rice is a popular Southern side dish with Bojangles Chicken.

It consists of rice cooked with various ingredients like Cajun spices, ground meats, and sometimes vegetables.

This flavorful rice dish adds depth and warmth to your meal, complementing the succulent chicken perfectly.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a refreshing side dish that balances fried chicken’s heaviness.

The crunchy texture and tangy taste of coleslaw help cut through the chicken’s richer flavors, making it a great choice for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

Buttermilk Substitute

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice.

Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes before using it in your Bojangles chicken recipe.

This combination will give your chicken a similar tangy flavor and tenderizing effect that buttermilk provides.

Hot Sauce Substitute

In case you don’t have the specific hot sauce called for in the recipe or prefer a milder taste, you can swap it out with your favorite hot sauce or even use a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.

Just remember to adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.

How to Store Bojangles Chicken

Proper storage of Bojangles Chicken is important to maintain its taste and freshness.

Here are a few ways you can store your Bojangles Chicken:

Use an Airtight Container

Keeping your Bojangles Chicken in an airtight container is essential to preserve freshness.

Simply transfer the leftover chicken to a clean, dry container and make sure the lid is securely sealed.

Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy the chicken, reheat it properly in the oven or microwave.

Wrap with Plastic Wrap

Another option for storing Bojangles Chicken is to use plastic wrap.

Lay out a piece of plastic wrap on a clean, flat surface.

Place the chicken on the plastic wrap and wrap it tightly, making sure to cover all sides of the chicken.

Once the chicken is securely wrapped, transfer it to the refrigerator.

The plastic wrap will help keep the chicken moist and its texture consistent.

Just like with an airtight container, you can store Bojangles Chicken wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days.

Remember that proper storage is key to maintaining the heavenly, crunchy Bojangles Chicken taste that we all love.

Ensure that you use either airtight containers or plastic wrap to store your chicken, and enjoy it within 3-4 days for the best quality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Marinating the Chicken Properly

When preparing Bojangles chicken, it’s essential to marinate the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce mixture for at least an hour.

This process helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse the flavors.

Failing to marinate can result in a less tender and less flavorful chicken.

Skimping on the Seasoning

The secret to Bojangle chicken lies in its unique blend of spices.

Make sure to use all the required spices, and don’t be afraid to adjust the amounts to suit your taste.

Not using enough seasoning will leave the chicken bland and far from the authentic Bojangles taste.

Overcrowding the Frying Pan

When frying the chicken, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and cause uneven cooking.

Fry the chicken pieces in small batches, allowing enough room for them to cook evenly and become crispy.

Improper Oil Temperature

Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and tender inside.

Too low oil temperature can result in greasy and soggy chicken, while too high it may cause the chicken to cook too quickly, leaving it undercooked inside.

A thermometer monitors the oil temperature and aims for around 350°F (175°C).

Not Draining Excess Oil

After frying the chicken, it’s crucial to let it drain on a wire rack or paper towel to remove any excess oil.

Failing to do so might make the chicken soggy and oily, compromising its crispy texture.