Fried Chicken Bites

From the kitchen of Carly

Crispy chicken thighs marinated in rum, lime, and soy become impossibly golden when fried. Sweet and salty with a hint of tropical funk, these bites demand hot sauce and lime wedges. Snack perfection that disappears fast.

Prep
n/a
Cook
n/a
Total
n/a
Servings
4
Difficulty
medium

Ingredients

4 servings

  • 11/4 cup amber or dark rum
  • 11/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 11/4 cup soy sauce
  • 11 tablespoon sugar
  • 11 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1About 2 cups vegetable oil
  • 11/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 11/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1Accompaniments: lime wedges; hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Stir together rum, lime juice, soy sauce, and sugar in a shallow bowl until sugar has dissolved. Add chicken and stir to coat. Marinate at room temperature 25 minutes.

  2. While chicken finishes marinating, heat 1 inch oil in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

  3. Meanwhile, whisk together flour, paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a shallow bowl. Drain chicken and pat dry. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess, then transfer to a plate.

  4. Fry chicken in 3 batches, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and cooked through, 6 to 7 minutes per batch. (If chicken darkens too quickly, reduce heat.) Transfer to paper towels to drain.