Succulent, Spicy and Saucy Fried Chicken

Are you ready to elevate your fried chicken game? Imagine biting into a piece of chicken that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with spicy, saucy goodness. Sounds irresistible, right?”

“Welcome to my kitchen, where today we’re diving into the world of bold flavors and mouthwatering textures with my succulent, spicy, and saucy fried chicken! This dish is all about that perfect balance of spiciness, heat, and juiciness, making it a showstopper for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this fried chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress your family.

Table of Contents

It’s all in the marinade!

9 pieces of chicken thigh portions. Remove skin, rinse thoroughly, and place in a colander, covered. (Removing the skin is totally optional).

Ingredients:

A good dash of light soy sauce

1 tsp. ground black pepper

2 tsp. smoked paprika

1 tsp. fine salt

1 heaped tsp. ground ginger and garlic

3 tbsp. greek yogurt

Method:

Place the chicken thighs in a dish. Using the above ingredients, marinate well. Cling wrap or place in an airtight container and leave in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours or overnight.

I am going to shallow fry for 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Make a slit on the thigh to check if it’s cooked well. Remove, cover, and set aside.

For the spicy sauce:

2 to 3 tbsp. Olive oil

50g Butter

1 tbsp. Crushed red chili

500 ml Tomato sauce

50 g Tomato paste

1/2 tsp Salt

A good squirt of lemon juice. (or 2 tbsp. of lemon juice)

A good squirt of soy sauce . (or 2 tbsp. of lemon juice)

1/2 tsp. crushed black pepper

2 tsp. paprika

Method:

I will be cooking on low heat. To a pan or a flat pot, add the olive oil and butter. Add the crushed chillies and mix. Now add the tomato sauce and stir well. Cook on low for 2 to 3 minutes and then add the tomato paste. Keep stirring. Add the salt and lemon juice and stir. Now add the soy sauce, stir, simmer, and add the crushed black pepper, stirring, and add the paprika, stirring really well. Cook on low heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Now, bring in the fried chicken thighs into this delicious sauce. Gently mix and season with scallions. Serve and Enjoy!

Tip for the best fried chicken!

Any time spent marinating is better than none, even if it’s just 30 minutes, but two to three hours is the sweet spot for getting juicy, flavorful chicken from the marinade. You can let it marinate up to eight hours, but any longer, and it will negatively impact the texture of the chicken.

(Pro Tip: You should let any meat sit for a 30 minutes after taking it out of the refrigerator to help it cook more evenly.)

Serving suggestions!

This succulent, spicy, and saucy fried chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. For a hearty and comforting meal, serve it with warm, buttered, crusty bread—perfect for soaking up every drop of that rich, flavorful sauce. If you’re craving something more filling, fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta make excellent choices, turning this into the ultimate cozy weeknight dinner.

For a lighter, low-carb, or keto-friendly option, cauliflower rice is a fantastic alternative, offering a delicious way to enjoy all the bold flavors without the extra carbs. Want to add a pop of freshness? A vibrant side of sautéed broccoli or a crisp, refreshing salad balances out the spice and richness, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Whether you’re going for indulgent comfort or a balanced plate, this dish is sure to shine with your favorite sides.

FAQ

What does paprika taste like on chicken?

Paprika is a delicious spice to use on chicken. Smoked paprika will add smokiness to chicken while sweet paprika adds a subtle sweetness. It also adds incredible color to any dish you add it to.

What spices go well with paprika?

Paprika is incredibly versatile and works in many different cuisines. In mediterranean cooking it is delicious with garlic, lemon, oregano and other herbs like thyme or basil. In Indian cooking it’s subtle sweetness and fiery color works incredibly well with turmeric, coriander, cardamom, ginger and cumin.