Spanish-Style Fried Chicken with Grilled Avocado

Ingredients for Spanish-Style Fried Chicken with Grilled Avocado

• 3 garlic cloves, smashed

• 950ml buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon Aleppo-style pepper or 3/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander

• 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, divided

• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more

• 3/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided

• 1.4kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2"-thick strips

• 250g plain flour

• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

• 2–2.8L vegetable oil (for frying), plus more for brushing

• 2 firm, ripe California avocados, cut into quarters, skin removed

• Spicy mayonnaise or combine equal parts romesco and mayonnaise (for serving

• optional)

• A deep-fry thermometer

Combine garlic, buttermilk, Aleppo-style pepper, cumin, coriander, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoons black pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and toss to coat, then chill at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

Whisk flour, cayenne, and remaining 3 tablespoons paprika in a medium shallow bowl.

Fit a large heavy pot with deep-fry thermometer. Pour in oil to a depth of 2"; heat over medium-high until thermometer registers 177°C. Reduce heat to medium and raise or lower as needed to maintain a temperature of 177°C. Working in batches, remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and dredge in flour mixture. Fry chicken, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined rimmed baking sheet; season with salt.

Heat a grill pan over medium. Brush avocado with oil; season with remaining 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoons pepper. Grill, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a platter and arrange avocado alongside; serve with spicy mayonnaise, if desired.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.