Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Spinach Tomato Salad

Crispy curry-spiced buttermilk fried chicken served alongside a fresh salad of baby spinach and cherry tomatoes dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. A perfect combination of comfort food and fresh vegetables.

6 servings
5 hr

Ingredients

  • cups buttermilk
  • 3 tablespoons curry powder
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 3 whole chicken legs
  • 6 pieces chicken breast halves
  • cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • pounds cherry tomatoes
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons minced shallot
  • 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 cups canola oil
  • 12 cups baby spinach leaves

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Mix buttermilk, curry powder, 3 teaspoons salt, and pepper in large bowl. Add chicken; turn to coat. Cover; chill at least 4 hours or overnight.

    240 min

  2. 2.

    Remove chicken from refrigerator. Line 2 baking sheets with paper towels. Mix flour, chili powder, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in shallow dish. Mix tomatoes and next 3 ingredients in another large bowl.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Add enough canola oil to 12-inch skillet to reach depth of 1/2 inch. Heat over medium-high heat to 375°F. Remove 6 chicken pieces from buttermilk mixture. Dip in flour mixture and turn to coat; shake off excess. Add chicken, skin side down, to skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover; cook until brown, about 12 minutes. Turn chicken over. Cook uncovered until cooked through, about 5 minutes for breasts and 10 minutes for legs and thighs; transfer to paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken. (Salad and chicken can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)

    45 min

  4. 4.

    Add spinach to tomato salad; season with salt and pepper. Divide salad among plates; top with chicken.

    5 min