Ingredients:
For the crispy fried chicken:
- 4 chicken drumsticks or chicken pieces of your choice
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the saucy spaghetti:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
- Start by preparing the crispy fried chicken. In a bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1 inch deep.
- Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Shake off any excess flour.
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a temperature of around 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While the chicken is frying, prepare the saucy spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the spaghetti gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- To serve, plate a portion of the saucy spaghetti and top it with a piece of crispy fried chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your soul food-inspired Saucy Spaghetti with Crispy Fried Chicken!
