Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha Recipe
Get ready to meet your new obsession: Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha! Imagine juicy chicken thighs, marinated for maximum tenderness, then fried to a shatteringly crisp finish and dusted with savory Japanese furikake. Pair all that craveable crunch with a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo, some fluffy rice, and a scoop of dreamy Hawaiian mac salad, and you’ve officially unlocked the kind of comfort food that makes you close your eyes for just one more bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha is all about fresh, simple ingredients that work together to deliver big flavors and irresistible textures. Each element has its own special job—whether it’s adding crunch, a hint of heat, or that all-important umami punch.
- Boneless chicken thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breasts, they’re perfect for frying.
- Buttermilk: Tenders up the chicken and infuses it with subtle tanginess during the marinade.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the coating, ensuring a hearty, crispy shell.
- Cornstarch: Combined with flour, it makes the crust super light and extra crunchy.
- Garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth to the breading—because garlic makes everything better!
- Onion powder: Boosts the savory notes in every bite.
- Paprika: A hint of color and a mild, smoky sweetness brighten the crust.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and amplifying all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for that golden glow.
- Furikake seasoning: The Japanese rice topping that delivers salty-sweet, umami-rich crunch to your chicken.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your sriracha drizzle.
- Sriracha: This spicy chili sauce brings sweet heat—feel free to adjust to your comfort level.
- Lime juice: Adds a bright, citrusy tang to cut through the richness of the mayo.
- Steamed white rice: A soft, pillowy canvas to absorb all the saucy, savory goodness.
- Furikake (for topping rice): Reinforces the signature seasoning on your plate.
- Hawaiian mac salad: Creamy, cool, and ultra-comforting; the classic sidekick for any island-style plate lunch.
How to Make Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start your journey to juicy chicken glory by soaking the boneless chicken thighs in buttermilk. Let them bathe for at least an hour in the fridge (overnight if you want maximum tenderness). The buttermilk not only softens the meat but also gives it a little tang, which is a secret flavor booster for this Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha.
Step 2: Prep the Seasoned Coating
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combo is your ticket to a breading that’s equal parts delicious, crispy, and light. Make sure everything is mixed well so each piece of chicken gets evenly coated in those savory aromatics.
Step 3: Dredge and Coat the Chicken
Remove each marinated chicken thigh from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip away. Drop the pieces into the flour mixture and really press them in so the coating clings to every nook and cranny. The more thorough you are, the crispier the bite!
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Bring your frying oil up to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or Dutch oven. Carefully lower in the coated chicken—don’t crowd the pan—and fry each piece for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a rich, golden brown crust and fully cooked centers. Drain the chicken on a wire rack: this keeps that prized crunch alive.
Step 5: Sprinkle and Drizzle
While the chicken is still piping hot, sprinkle generously with furikake seasoning. This is when Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha really finds its island soul. Meanwhile, quickly whisk up the sriracha mayo by blending mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and sunset-orange. Drizzle this creamy, spicy magic over the chicken—go wild!
Step 6: Plate It Up
Scoop up fluffy steamed white rice, top with a shake of furikake, and add a generous helping of chilled Hawaiian macaroni salad. Pile on the star—Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha—drizzled to your heart’s desire. Every forkful is pure comfort and adventure!
How to Serve Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha
Garnishes
The beauty of this dish is how playful you can be with toppings. For extra wow-factor, garnish your Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even a handful of pickled ginger for pops of brightness. Each garnish brings another burst of color and flavor, making your plate truly shine.
Side Dishes
No island-style plate is complete without sides. Of course, steamed white rice topped with furikake is classic, but feel free to swap in brown rice, sticky rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter touch. The creamy Hawaiian mac salad, with its comforting familiarity, is essential, but you can also add crisp cabbage slaw or crunchy pickled cucumbers for a fresh counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, serve the chicken over sushi rice in a bento box with vibrant pickled veggies and sliced avocado. For parties, slice the chicken and thread onto skewers drizzled with sriracha mayo for easy crowd-pleasing bites. Or, tuck pieces into soft slider buns with crunchy lettuce and extra sauce for an unforgettable Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha, let it cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Store the sriracha mayo separately, so everything stays as fresh as possible. Refrigerated, your fried chicken will keep its best texture and flavor for up to 2 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze unfrosted, fully cooked fried chicken. Lay cooled pieces out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. They’ll keep for up to a month. Just be sure not to freeze with sauce or garnishes, as they won’t fare well.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy magic, reheat leftover chicken in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–15 minutes. Skip the microwave, which can make the coating soggy. Add fresh furikake and a fresh drizzle of sriracha mayo just before serving to recreate the just-fried vibe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work just fine, though it may be less juicy than thighs. Try slicing the breast to even thickness for even cooking, and don’t skip the buttermilk marinade for extra tenderness in your Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha.
What exactly is furikake, and where can I find it?
Furikake is a Japanese seasoning blend typically made from seaweed, sesame seeds, salt, sugar, and sometimes bonito flakes. It’s available at Asian grocers, larger supermarkets, or online—and it’s amazing on everything from eggs to popcorn, not just Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha!
How spicy will this recipe be?
The kick comes from the sriracha mayo, so you’re in total control. Start with less sriracha for mild heat or make it fiery if you’re a spice chaser. Either way, the creamy mayo tames the burn, keeping things balanced and craveable.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and double-check your furikake to ensure there’s no hidden gluten. The result will still be a fabulously crispy version of Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha that everyone can enjoy.
What oil is best for frying?
Go for a neutral oil with a high smoke point—vegetable, canola, or peanut oil all work beautifully. This helps achieve a golden, clean-tasting crust so the bold flavors of the seasoned chicken and furikake shine through.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving something new or longing for a touch of island nostalgia, Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha will become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, load up your plate, and let each crunchy, saucy, umami-packed bite transport you straight to comfort-food paradise!
