Fried Chicken Thighs with Spicy Slaw

This dish is from chef Michael Symon and let me just say it’s become one of Jim’s all time favorite recipes! I made this last week and he is still talking about it. This recipe does take some time and prep work but it’s well worth it. I rarely deep fry anymore but this recipe is a keeper and one I will be making again!

INGREDIENTS

2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon raw honey
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
1 cup thinly sliced cabbage, I cheated and used pre shredded coleslaw
1/2 cup grated carrot
1 small jalapeno, seeded and thinly sliced
3/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
Peanut oil for frying
1/4 cup rice flour
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 Tablespoons vodka
1/3 cup seltzer water

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl whisk to combine the vinegar, ginger, honey and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cabbage, carrot and jalapeño. Toss to combine refrigerate until you are ready to serve.

In a gallon size ziplock bag add 1/2 cup of cornstarch, one teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Shake to blend. Season both sides of the chicken with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken thighs in the cornstarch making sure to coat all sides. Shake off excess. Place the chicken on a wire rack set on a sheet pan and refrigerate uncovered at least 2 hours upto over night. (I did this step for 4 hours)

Pour 4 inches of peanut oil in a heavy bottom pot. Set over medium high heat and heat oil to 360 degrees.

In a large bowl combine rice flour, turmeric, remaining 1/4 cup cornstarch, remaining 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, the paprika and a pinch of salt. Whisk to blend. Add the vodka and seltzer. Stir until no lumps remain. Let stand for 1 minute.

When the oil is hot dip the chicken into the batter and allow the excess to drip off. Carefully add it to the oil and cook until lightly golden brown and crispy about 6 minutes. Remove from oil using a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel lined plate, season with a pinch of salt.

Serve immediately with the slaw.

Enjoy!