Who doesn’t love a good serving of fried chicken? Crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying. But what if we told you there’s a healthier, yet equally mouthwatering alternative? Enter Kentucky Grilled Chicken, a delectable twist on the classic favorite that’s capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of chicken enthusiasts everywhere.
Picture this: succulent chicken breast, seasoned to perfection, and grilled to smoky perfection. That’s the essence of Kentucky Grilled Chicken. Developed by the culinary geniuses at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), this dish offers a healthier alternative to its fried counterpart while delivering on flavor and satisfaction.
Unlike its fried counterpart, Kentucky Grilled Chicken offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste. Packed with lean protein and essential nutrients, it’s the perfect choice for those looking to indulge without the guilt. Compared to traditional fried chicken, it boasts lower fat and calorie content, making it a favorite among health-conscious individuals.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your Kentucky grilled chicken:
- Classic Sides: Serve your Kentucky grilled chicken with classic Southern sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, or macaroni and cheese. These sides complement the flavors of the chicken and create a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Cornbread: Pair your grilled chicken with warm and buttery cornbread. The slightly sweet and savory flavors of cornbread complement the smoky and seasoned taste of the chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables: Serve a side of grilled vegetables such as corn on the cob, zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Grilling the vegetables adds a delicious charred flavor and provides a nutritious accompaniment to the chicken.
- Fresh Salad: Balance the meal with a refreshing salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing. The crisp and light salad contrasts nicely with the rich and flavorful grilled chicken.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side for added flavor. Consider classic options like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or hot sauce to customize each bite of chicken according to your preference.
- Pickles: Add a tangy and crunchy element to your meal with a side of pickles or pickled vegetables. The acidity of the pickles cuts through the richness of the chicken and refreshes the palate.
- Fresh Fruit: Finish the meal with a platter of fresh seasonal fruit such as watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, or grapes. The natural sweetness of the fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Serve cold beverages like iced tea or lemonade to quench thirst and refresh the palate. These classic Southern drinks complement the meal and are perfect for outdoor gatherings.
These serving suggestions will enhance your Kentucky grilled chicken meal and provide a delicious and well-rounded dining experience. Feel free to mix and match according to your preferences and dietary preferences. Enjoy your homemade Southern feast!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to help you achieve perfectly grilled Kentucky chicken:
- Properly Marinate the Chicken: Allow enough time for the chicken to marinate in the buttermilk mixture. Marinating overnight, if possible, helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. A properly heated grill helps create beautiful grill marks and prevents sticking.
- Oil the Grill Grates: Before placing the chicken on the grill, oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil or spray with cooking spray. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and promotes even cooking.
- Control the Grill Temperature: Maintain a consistent grill temperature throughout the cooking process. Fluctuating temperatures can lead to uneven cooking and dry chicken.
- Cook with the Skin On: Grilling the chicken with the skin on helps retain moisture and adds flavor. Once cooked, the skin becomes crispy and delicious.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the chicken while grilling to prevent overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Avoid Flipping Too Often: Resist the temptation to flip the chicken frequently. Allow it to cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop a nice crust.
- Baste for Flavor: Basting the chicken with olive oil or melted butter during grilling adds moisture and flavor. Brush the chicken with the basting mixture halfway through cooking and again just before removing from the grill.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more flavorful chicken.
- Serve Hot: Serve the grilled Kentucky chicken hot off the grill for the best flavor and texture. Accompany it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious Southern-inspired meal!
By following these cooking tips, you’ll be able to grill Kentucky chicken that is juicy, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Kentucky Grilled Chicken (Healthy)
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce such as Tabasco
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Seasoned Flour Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Grilling:
- Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing the grill
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Prepare the Seasoned Flour Coating:In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the spices.
- Grill the Chicken:Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.Lightly grease the grill grates with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly on all sides.Place the coated chicken thighs on the preheated grill, skin side down. Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The skin should be crispy and golden brown.During grilling, you can baste the chicken with a little olive oil or melted butter for extra flavor and moisture.
- Serve:Once the Kentucky grilled chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a serving platter.Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables.Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions, if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade Kentucky grilled chicken!