🍽️Buffalo Fried Chicken & Cauliflower

Servings: 3 people
Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ thawing time for chicken)
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Dry Coating Mix (for both chicken and cauliflower)

• 3 cups all-purpose flou
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1¼ teaspoons black pepper

Buffalo Fried Chicken Drumsticks

• 6-8 chicken drumsticks (thawed)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• Oil for deep frying (vegetable or peanut oil)

Mild Buffalo Sauce

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup Frank's RedHot Original (or similar mild hot sauce)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Buffalo Fried Cauliflower

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup milk

Homemade Ranch Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Sides

• 3-4 large carrots, cut into sticks
• Frozen Fries
• Salt for seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Thaw Chicken

• Remove chicken drumsticks from freezer and thaw in refrigerator overnight, or use cold water method (submerge sealed chicken in cold water for 2-3 hours, changing water every 30 minutes)

Step 2: Make Homemade Ranch (can be made ahead)

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth
2. Add dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice
3. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld
4. Store in refrigerator until serving

Step 3: Prepare Mild Buffalo Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter
2. Add hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce
3. Whisk together and simmer for 2-3 minutes
4. Remove from heat and set aside (keep warm)

Step 4: Prep Vegetables

1. Cut carrots into sticks and arrange on serving platter
2. Wash and cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets, pat dry
3. For fries: Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch thick strips, soak in cold water for 15 minutes, then pat completely dry

Step 5: Marinate Chicken

1. Place thawed chicken drumsticks in a large bowl
2. Pour buttermilk over chicken, ensuring all pieces are covered
3. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes while preparing other ingredients

Step 6: Set Up Breading Station for Chicken

1. In a large shallow dish, combine 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper from the dry coating mix
2. Mix well to combine

Step 7: Fry Chicken Drumsticks

1. Heat oil in deep fryer to 350°F
2. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off
3. Dredge each drumstick in seasoned flour, coating completely
4. Carefully place 3-4 drumsticks in fryer (don't overcrowd)
5. Fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F
6. Remove and drain on paper towels
7. Repeat with remaining drumsticks
8. Toss fried chicken in half of the buffalo sauce in a large bowl

Step 8: Make Cauliflower Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, milk, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper from the dry coating mix until smooth
2. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon

Step 9: Fry Cauliflower

1. Ensure oil is at 350°F
2. Dip cauliflower florets in batter, letting excess drip off
3. Carefully place in fryer, working in batches of 6-8 pieces
4. Fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy
5. Remove and drain on paper towels
6. Repeat with remaining cauliflower
7. Toss fried cauliflower in remaining buffalo sauce in a separate bowl

Step 10: Fry Potatoes (Optional Side)

1. Ensure oil is at 350°F
2. Fry potato strips in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy
3. Remove and drain on paper towels
4. Season immediately with salt

Step 11: Serve

1. Arrange buffalo chicken drumsticks on one side of a large platter
2. Arrange buffalo cauliflower on the other side (or on separate platter)
3. Serve with homemade ranch dressing in bowls for dipping
4. Serve carrot sticks and fries on the side
5. Provide extra buffalo sauce on the side for those who want more

Notes

• The buffalo sauce recipe is mild - adjust heat level by using milder or spicier hot sauce
• Chicken can be marinated in buttermilk for up to 24 hours for extra tenderness
• Make sure chicken is completely thawed before frying for even cooking
• Keep fried items warm in a 200°F oven while finishing batches
• Ranch can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in refrigerator
• For crispier cauliflower, you can double-dip: batter, fry briefly, batter again, then fry until golden

Suggested Wine/Beverage Pairing

• Cold beer (lager or pilsner)
• Iced tea
• Lemonade