High Protein Spicy Fried Chicken
Elevate your fried chicken game with this High Protein Spicy Fried Chicken recipe! Marinated in tangy buttermilk and hot sauce for ultimate juiciness and infused with bold spices like smoked paprika and cayenne, this dish delivers big on both flavor and nutrition. The secret? A crispy coating made with protein-packed unflavored whey protein powder, ensuring every bite supports your high-protein diet. Perfectly golden and fried to crispy perfection, this chicken is irresistibly juicy on the inside and spicy-crunchy on the outside. Ready in under an hour (with prep done ahead), it’s a great option for a satisfying dinner or a gourmet addition to a weekend feast. Pair it with fresh slaws, warm biscuits, or your go-to dipping sauces for a meal that’s as delicious as it is well-balanced. Perfect for high-protein diets, gym enthusiasts, or anyone who loves spicy fried chicken with a nutritious twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 1.5 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 large egg whites
- 3 scoops (about 90 grams) whey protein powder (unflavored)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups oil for frying (e.g., canola or peanut oil)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Set aside.
In a shallow dish, combine the whey protein powder, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the coating for the chicken.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and let any excess drip off. Dip each piece into the beaten egg whites, then coat thoroughly in the dry mixture. Press the coating firmly onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.
Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain it.
Carefully place 2 pieces of coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces.
Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your high-protein spicy fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
14803 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1076.4 g | 1380% | |
| Saturated Fat | 113.5 g | 568% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2457 mg | 819% | |
| Sodium | 8897 mg | 387% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 160.4 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.0 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.1 g | ||
| Protein | 1096.6 g | 2193% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.7 mcg | 49% | |
| Calcium | 2267 mg | 174% | |
| Iron | 32.8 mg | 182% | |
| Potassium | 9487 mg | 202% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
