Maple Bacon Glazed Fried Chicken

Maple Bacon Glazed Fried Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its combination of savory and sweet flavors, crispy textures, and rich indulgence. This delectable creation features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks, expertly prepared to perfection.

The journey of crafting this dish begins with the careful selection of chicken pieces. Bone-in and skin-on thighs and drumsticks are the stars here, and for good reason. These cuts of chicken offer an abundance of flavor and texture that elevate the dish to a whole new level.

The bone-in aspect of the chicken brings depth and richness to the culinary experience. As the chicken cooks, the bones infuse the meat with their essence, adding a savory quality that is both satisfying and delectable. This depth of flavor is what sets this dish apart from boneless varieties, making each bite an indulgent journey for the palate.

The skin-on aspect is equally crucial in creating the Maple Bacon Glazed Fried Chicken’s signature appeal. During the frying process, the skin transforms into a crispy, golden-brown shell that encapsulates the succulent chicken beneath. This contrast in textures, from the crispy exterior to the tender interior, is a defining characteristic of this dish.

But, it’s not just about the chicken. The real magic happens when it’s paired with a maple bacon glaze. The glaze is where sweet and smoky notes unite, creating a sauce that coats each piece of chicken in a delectable embrace. The key ingredient, maple syrup, brings its natural sweetness to the forefront, harmonizing beautifully with the smokiness of crumbled bacon. The buttery richness of the glaze adds a luxurious element, making each bite an unforgettable experience.

For those who crave a hint of heat, red pepper flakes are introduced into the glaze. This optional addition provides a subtle kick, balancing the sweetness and smokiness with a touch of spiciness. It’s a choice that allows customization to suit individual taste preferences, making this dish adaptable to a wide range of palates.

The preparation process is meticulous but straightforward. The chicken is seasoned with a combination of classic spices, including salt, ground black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This careful seasoning ensures that every bite is well-balanced and brimming with flavor.

Before taking the plunge into the hot oil, the chicken pieces are given a buttermilk bath. This step serves multiple purposes. The buttermilk not only imparts a subtle tanginess to the meat but also acts as a natural tenderizer, ensuring that the chicken remains juicy and tender during the frying process.

Speaking of frying, this stage is where the chicken truly shines. It’s essential to achieve the perfect level of crispiness without compromising the tenderness within. The chicken is carefully immersed in hot vegetable oil, sizzling as it makes contact. The skin becomes golden and crispy, while the meat inside cooks to perfection. It’s crucial to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety.

Finally, the crowning moment arrives when the hot, freshly fried chicken is drizzled with the maple bacon glaze. The glaze clings to the crispy breading, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors and textures that is nothing short of spectacular.

Maple Bacon Glazed Fried Chicken is served piping hot, allowing the glaze to remain sticky and warm. It pairs wonderfully with classic comfort food sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. This dish is perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or a delightful indulgence at home.It’s a dish that celebrates the rich, savory goodness of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks. With a sweet and smoky maple bacon glaze and a crispy exterior, it offers a sensory journey that is nothing short of extraordinary. This dish captures the essence of comfort food, delivering a symphony of flavors and textures that make it a timeless favorite for anyone who appreciates the finer pleasures of food.

Maple Bacon Glazed Fried Chicken

5 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: New AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

4

hours 

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Total time

5

hours 

Maple Bacon Glazed Fried Chicken consists of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks, marinated in buttermilk, coated with a savory blend of seasonings, and drizzled with a sweet and smoky maple bacon glaze, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken

• 4 bone in, skin on 4 chicken thighs

• 4 bone in, skin on 4 chicken drumsticks

• 2 cups 2 buttermilk

• 2 cups 2 flour

• 1 tablespoon 1 paprika

• 1 tablespoon 1 garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon 1 onion powder

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

• for frying, vegetable oil

• For the Maple Bacon Glaze

• 1/2 cup 1/2 maple syrup

• 4 slices of 4 bacon, chopped

• 1 tablespoon 1 butter

• 1 tablespoon 1 Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon 1 apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 red pepper flakes

Directions

• Marinate the Chicken:
  In a large bowl or resealable bag, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk. Add a pinch of salt and ground black pepper. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• Prepare the Bacon:
  Cook the bacon slices in a small saucepan until crispy. Remove the bacon, let it cool, and then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside. Leave any remaining bacon fat in the saucepan.
• Make the Maple Bacon Glaze:
  In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the crumbled bacon. Set the glaze aside.
• Bread the Chicken:
  In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to adhere.
• Fry the Chicken:
  Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (medium heat). Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 6-8 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
• Glaze the Chicken:
  While the fried chicken is still hot, drizzle the maple bacon glaze over each piece, allowing it to soak in.
• Serve:
  Serve the Maple Bacon Glazed Fried Chicken hot with your favorite side dishes. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or Black-Eyed Pea and Okra Salad.