Fried Chicken Thighs with Cheesy Grits

Ingredients for Fried Chicken Thighs with Cheesy Grits

• 350ml buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 450g skinless, boneless chicken thighs

• Kosher salt

• 350ml white grits (not instant)

• 110g cream cheese

• 60g finely grated Parmesan

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 250g plain flour

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more

• 475ml vegetable oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 bunches kale, or Swiss chard, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into 2" pieces

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon hot pepper jelly, plus more for serving

• A deep-fry thermometer

Combine buttermilk, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and paprika in a large bowl or large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken thighs, cover bowl or seal bag, and toss to coat. Chill at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours.

Bring 950ml salted water to a boil and gradually add grits, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking occasionally, until grits are very tender and creamy, 25–30 minutes. Add cream cheese and Parmesan; whisk until melted and incorporated; season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve.

Whisk flour, cayenne, garlic powder, paprika, and 2 teaspoons salt in a medium bowl.

Remove chicken thighs from brine, letting excess drip off. Working in batches, dredge chicken in flour mixture, occasionally dipping your fingers in brine as you pack on flour to help create moistened, shaggy bits (the makings of a super-crisp crust); transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.

Fit a large cast-iron skillet with thermometer and heat oil until thermometer registers 177°C. Working in batches and returning oil to 177°C between batches, fry chicken thighs, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and coating is deep golden brown and crisp, 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack set inside a baking sheet and let sit while you cook the kale.

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add kale in large handfuls, letting it cook down slightly before adding more and tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until wilted and bright green, about 2 minutes. Add vinegar and 1 tablespoon pepper jelly and toss to coat.

Divide grits evenly among bowls and top with kale, fried chicken, and more pepper jelly.

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.