Saucy Spaghetti with Crispy Fried Chicken

Saucy Spaghetti with Crispy Fried Chicken

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:

  1. 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.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1 inch deep.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. While the chicken is frying, prepare the saucy spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the spaghetti gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.
  10. 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!