Al-Baik Fried Chicken
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For those who follow us on Instagram, you know that Maryam was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. One of her fondest memories from her time there was of Al-Baik chicken, a fried chicken restaurant chain with amazing chicken and garlic sauce. In Maryam’s nostalgia, we’ve worked hard to recreate the fried chicken since it’s not available outside of Saudi. And we think we got pretty darn close.
Fried Al-Baik Chicken
Prep Time: 30 MINUTES Cook Time: 45 MINUTES Serves: 2
Brine
1 lb chicken legs and thighs
1/2 cup vinegar
1 tsp salt
1.5 tbs garlic and ginger paste (or 3/4 tbs of each)
Water
Marinade
1 tbs ginger and garlic paste
1 tbs soy sauce
1 tbs vinegar
1.5 tbs yogurt
1 tbs red crushed pepper
1 tbs salt
1 tbs pepper
1/2 tbs cinnamon
1 tbs hot sauce
1/4 tsp oregano
1 large egg
Breading
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbs corn starch
salt
black pepper
1 cup water
Oil for frying
Special Equipment:
Cooling Rack
Preparation:
Cut diagonal slits in the chicken
Combine all brine ingredients with enough water to make sure the chicken is fully covered. Leave the chicken in the brine for 30 minutes to an hour
Combine all of the ingredients for the marinade, remove chicken from the brine and toss chicken in marinade, making sure to coat well
Let the chicken sit in the marinade for another 15 minutes
Combine the flour, corn starch, salt, and pepper in a large bowl
Remove chicken from the marinade and set in a separate plate. Add 1 cup of water to the remaining marinade mixture
Fill the slits in the chicken with some hot sauce
One by one, toss chicken in the breading, shake off excess, and then dip into the wet batter
Repeat the coating process twice, ending in the breading
Heat oil on medium heat. Once the oil is hot add chicken and let cook for about 7-10 minutes before flipping and cooking another 5-7 minutes
Transfer chicken to a wire rack to cool and get crispier than it already is
Dip into garlic sauce and enjoy every bite