Spicy Crispy Fried Chicken (Ayam Geprek Pedas)
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- Cornstarch, as needed
- All-purpose flour, as needed
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet ground black pepper
- 5 cloves garlic
- 25 curly red chilies
- Water, as needed
- Optional: pre-seasoned crispy flour mix (red and blue packaging) for convenience
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by washing the chicken thighs thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. -
Make the Dry Coating:
In a bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the seasonings. For a quicker option, you can use a pre-seasoned crispy flour mix, which is conveniently available in red and blue packaging. -
Prepare the Wet Batter:
Create a wet batter by mixing a small amount of the dry coating mixture with a bit of water. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken without dripping excessively. -
Coat the Chicken:
First, dip each chicken thigh into the wet batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge the chicken in the dry coating mixture, ensuring an even layer. For a thicker, crunchier coating, repeat this process once more. -
Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the coated chicken thighs until they are golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. -
Prepare the Spicy Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, prepare the spicy sauce. In a mortar and pestle, crush garlic, red chilies, and a pinch of salt until you achieve a smooth, aromatic paste. -
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still hot, place the chicken in a bowl or on a plate and generously coat it with the spicy garlic-chili paste. For a more intense flavor, you can press down on the chicken to slightly crush it, allowing the sauce to penetrate the crispy coating. -
Serve:
Remove the bones from the chicken, if desired. Serve the spicy crispy chicken with steamed white rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Enjoy this flavorful dish that combines crunchy fried chicken with a spicy, garlicky kick! Perfect for a hearty meal with friends and family.