If you’re craving that famous Bojangles chicken but don’t have a location near you, trying a homemade version can be a real treat. Recreating the crispy and flavorful taste of Bojangles fried chicken at home is easier than you might think.
This blog post will guide you through the steps to make this delicious dish from scratch using simple ingredients like flour, Cajun seasoning, and a few others you might already have in your pantry.
What sets this fried chicken apart is the special blend of spices that create a unique, savory taste with a signature crispy crust. You might remember enjoying this iconic flavor straight from the restaurant, but making it yourself adds a personal touch and can be just as satisfying.
In addition to being delightful, you’ll also have control over portion sizes and the ability to tweak seasonings to suit your taste. This means you can enjoy a familiar favorite while catering to your nutritional preferences.
Get ready to dive into creating your own version of this legendary fried chicken dish.
What Makes This Bojangles Chicken Recipe Special?
When you try making Bojangles Chicken at home, you’re embracing a taste of North Carolina’s beloved southern fast-food. A copycat recipe captures the crispy fried chicken experience that fans love.
Key Aspects of the Recipe:
- Marinating: The flavor comes from soaking the chicken in buttermilk mixed with hot sauce and garlic powder. This step makes the chicken extra tender.
- Double Coating: The secret to a crispy outside lies in double dredging. The chicken is coated in flour, then dipped in a wet batter, giving it that recognizable crunch.
- Cooking Tips: Use skinless and boneless pieces, like chicken breasts or chicken tenders, for a quicker cook time. A meat thermometer ensures the oil is at 350°F, achieving the perfect texture.
If you’re short on time, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes for solid results.
For more flavor, use self-rising flour, or add baking powder to all-purpose flour.
Enjoy these options for your comfort food needs!
Ingredients You’ll Need For Bojangles Chicken Recipe
To make Bojangles Chicken, you’ll start with chicken pieces, either bone-in or boneless, like thighs or breasts.
Marinade
- Buttermilk: 1 cup for tenderizing.
- Hot Sauce: 2 tablespoons for a spicy kick.
- White Vinegar: A splash can be used for extra tang.
Seasoning
Gather these spices for bold flavor:
- Salt: 1 tablespoon.
- Black Pepper: 1 tablespoon.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1 tablespoon.
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 tablespoon.
- Paprika: 1 tablespoon.
- Onion Powder: Optional, for added depth.
- Thyme and Cajun Seasoning: For that signature Southern taste.
Coating
Choose between these options for crispy skin:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, sometimes used with baking powder.
- Self-Rising Flour: 2 cups for extra fluffiness.
- Cornstarch: Adds crispiness.
- Seasoned Flour Mixture: Blend spices into the flour for extra flavor.
Additional Ingredients
- Eggs: Optional, used in the dredging step.
- Milk: Can be mixed with the eggs for a light batter.
These ingredients will help you create a delicious Bojangles Chicken, bringing together the right spices and methods for a tasty result. Adjust the spices and heat level to suit your taste preferences.
Step-By-Step Guide To Making Bojangles Chicken Recipe
To make Bojangles-style chicken, start with the marinade.
In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, a splash of hot sauce, and a pinch of salt.
Add your chicken pieces and cover the bowl. Let the chicken marinate for at least 12 hours in the fridge. This step is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken.
Prepare your dry rub. Mix flour, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder in a separate bowl. You can add ground red pepper or cayenne for extra spice.
Once your chicken is marinated, cover each piece evenly with the rub.
For the wet batter, combine water with some of the dry rub mixture to make a thick paste.
Dip each piece of chicken into the wet batter first and then coat it with the dry rub again. This double coating ensures a crispy crust.
Heat your preferred cooking oil, such as vegetable or peanut oil, in a deep frying pan.
Make sure the oil reaches a temperature of about 350°F.
Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and fully cooked inside, about 12-15 minutes.
If you want a lighter option, bake the marinated and coated chicken in the oven.
Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes.
Once cooked, let the chicken rest on a wire rack to keep it crispy. Enjoy your homemade Bojangles-style chicken!
Tips For The Perfect Bojangles Chicken Recipe
Getting crispy chicken every time is a must.
Start with allowing your chicken to marinate in buttermilk for a few hours. This adds flavor and keeps it juicy.
To achieve the famous crispy texture, use a double-dredge method.
First, coat the chicken in seasoned flour, then dip it in buttermilk, and finally cover it again in flour. This extra step is key for a crispy breading.
Oil temperature is crucial.
Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) to make sure the chicken cooks evenly. If it’s too low, the chicken absorbs oil and becomes greasy. Too high, and it quickly burns.
A meat thermometer helps a lot.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked inside.
For a crispy exterior, try frying in small batches. Overcrowding the pot can drop the oil’s temperature, leading to less crispy chicken.
Storing leftovers properly is important.
Let the chicken cool, then wrap it in plastic or use airtight containers. This helps maintain flavor and texture when reheating. You can also freeze it in a freezer bag for longer storage.
Using these tips can make all the difference in making your Bojangles Chicken at home satisfying and true to the taste you love.
How To Customize Bojangles Chicken Recipe For Different Diets
To make Bojangles chicken gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or a mix of rice flour and cornstarch for the coating. This keeps the crunchy texture without using wheat products.
For marinating, check that your hot sauce and other spices are gluten-free as well.
The air fryer is a great tool for a lower-calorie version of Bojangles chicken.
Preheat it and lightly spray the basket with oil. Cook the chicken for about 20 minutes at 375°F, turning halfway. This method needs less oil while still giving you a crispy finish.
For a low-carb option, try using crushed pork rinds instead of flour.
Mix them with your spices to coat the chicken. This still gives the satisfying crispness but without the carbs from flour.
Vegetarian diets can enjoy the flavors with substitutes like cauliflower or tofu.
Marinate and coat them just like the chicken. These can also be cooked in an air fryer to keep them crisp.
These changes keep the Bojangles taste but fit better with different dietary needs. Adjustments can be made to suit personal preferences or ingredient availability.
Bojangles Chicken Recipe Storage And Meal Prep Tips
For storing leftover Bojangles chicken, use an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken fresh and prevents it from drying out.
If you don’t have an airtight container, cover the chicken with a layer of plastic wrap before sealing the container.
When you’re ready to store the chicken, make sure it has fully cooled. Putting warm chicken in the fridge can cause moisture buildup, leading to soggy coating.
You can store the chicken in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it by wrapping each piece in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Place the chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the exterior crispy while ensuring the inside is warmed through.
During meal prep, marinate the chicken ahead of time.
You can keep it in the marinade for a few hours or freeze marinated pieces for later use. This makes meal planning easy and efficient.
If you’re preparing chicken for a large group, arrange the breaded pieces on a tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a storage container so they are ready to fry when needed.
Pairing Ideas For Bojangles Chicken Recipe
When serving Bojangles Chicken, consider starting with **classic ** sides.
Buttermilk biscuits are a traditional favorite that go perfectly with your crispy chicken. These soft, flaky treats can be made even better with a touch of butter or honey.
Adding a refreshing salad, like coleslaw, complements the savory chicken. The crunchy cabbage and dressing work well to balance out the meal.
You can easily make it by mixing shredded cabbage with a creamy dressing or a light vinaigrette.
Dipping sauces bring extra flavor to your meal. Try serving your Bojangles Chicken with honey mustard. This sweet and tangy sauce adds a delicious kick to each bite. Other good options are ranch or barbecue sauce for a smoky touch.
For a hearty meal, pair your chicken with side dishes like mashed potatoes or fries. These options offer comfort and satisfaction. Make sure to have some gravy for the potatoes or ketchup for the fries.
Biscuits, coleslaw, and dipping sauces all contribute to the flavor and texture of your Bojangles chicken feast. Whatever you choose, focus on variety to make your meal special.
Homemade Bojangles-Style Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Deep frying pan or deep fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Baking sheet (optional)
- wire rack
- Tongs
Ingredients
- Chicken & Marinade:
- Chicken pieces bone-in or boneless: 1-2 lbs
- Buttermilk: 1 cup
- Hot sauce: 2 tbsp
- White vinegar: 1 tsp
- Seasoning:
- Salt: 1 tbsp
- Black pepper: 1 tbsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tbsp
- Paprika: 1 tbsp
- Thyme: 1/2 tsp
- Cajun seasoning: 1 tsp
- Coating:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups or self-rising flour
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup
- Eggs: 2 optional
- Milk: 2 tbsp optional
- Oil for Frying:
- Vegetable or peanut oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine buttermilk, hot sauce, and vinegar in a bowl. Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
- Prepare Dry Rub:
- Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices (salt, black pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning).
- Prepare Wet Batter:
- Combine water or milk with a portion of the seasoned flour mixture to form a thick batter.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from marinade. Coat in dry rub, dip in wet batter, and coat again with dry rub for a double dredge.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pan. Fry chicken in small batches for 12-15 minutes or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Bake Alternative:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack to stay crispy. Serve hot with desired sides and dipping sauces.
Notes
Nutrition Facts for 1 Serving:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
