Spanish-Style Fried Chicken with Grilled Avocado

Crispy fried chicken strips marinated in a flavorful buttermilk blend of Spanish spices, served alongside charred grilled avocado. The chicken is seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and other aromatic spices for a Spanish-inspired twist on classic fried chicken.

6 servings
4 hr 50 min

Ingredients

  • 3 cloves garlic cloves
  • 4 cups buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo-style pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 pounds chicken thighs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • quarts vegetable oil
  • 2 whole avocados
  • to taste spicy mayonnaise
  • 1 piece deep-fry thermometer

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Combine garlic, buttermilk, Aleppo-style pepper, cumin, coriander, 1 tsp. paprika, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. black pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and toss to coat, then chill at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

    240 min

  2. 2.

    Whisk flour, cayenne, and remaining 3 Tbsp. paprika in a medium shallow bowl.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Fit a large heavy pot with deep-fry thermometer. Pour in oil to a depth of 2"; heat over medium-high until thermometer registers 350°F. Reduce heat to medium and raise or lower as needed to maintain a temperature of 350°F. Working in batches, remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and dredge in flour mixture. Fry chicken, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined rimmed baking sheet; season with salt.

    30 min

  4. 4.

    Heat a grill pan over medium. Brush avocado with oil; season with remaining 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Grill, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a platter and arrange avocado alongside; serve with spicy mayonnaise, if desired.

    15 min