Campero Spicy Chicken from Pollo Campero features tender, marinated chicken pieces coated in a fiery, flavorful batter, fried to a golden crisp and served with a side of zesty dipping sauce, delivering a satisfying blend of spicy heat and crunchy texture.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Meat thermometer
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Large plate or tray
- Paper towels
- Sauce bowls
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
When preparing the Campero Spicy Chicken, ensure you use fresh chicken pieces such as drumsticks, thighs, and wings for authentic tenderness and flavor. Buttermilk is essential for marinating the chicken, as it helps tenderize the meat and enhances the spicy marinade with hot sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch, dried oregano, and thyme creates the perfect crispy batter that withstands deep frying at the right temperature, monitored by a meat thermometer. For the dipping sauce, blend mayonnaise, lime juice, Dijon mustard, chipotle powder, and honey to achieve the zesty balance that complements the heat of the chicken. Your homemade Campero Spicy Chicken from Pollo Campero copycat menu will deliver the same fiery, crunchy satisfaction as the original.
Instructions
- Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a mixing bowl.
- Add chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring full coating.
- Cover and marinate chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, oregano, and thyme.
- Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.
- Dredge marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Place coated chicken on a wire rack or tray.
- Pour vegetable oil into deep fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Remove fried chicken and place on a paper towel-lined plate or rack to drain excess oil.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, Dijon mustard, chipotle powder, and honey to make dipping sauce.
- Serve fried chicken hot with the prepared zesty dipping sauce in sauce bowls.
Substitution
The Campero Spicy Chicken from Pollo Campero copycat recipe uses a spicy marinated batter that crisps up perfectly when fried. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to achieve a similar tangy tenderness. When frying, maintain the oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without becoming greasy. If a deep fryer is unavailable, a heavy-bottomed pot with a thermometer works well for frying. Your zesty dipping sauce can be adjusted by swapping chipotle powder for smoked paprika if a milder flavor is preferred.
Tips
Ensure your chicken is fully submerged in the buttermilk marinade for at least 2 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor. Use a meat thermometer to confirm each piece reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) to guarantee safe and juicy results. Avoid overcrowding the deep fryer to maintain the oil temperature at 350degF (175degC), which is key to achieving a crispy, golden crust. When dredging, shake off excess flour to prevent clumps and uneven frying, and rest the coated chicken on a wire rack before frying to set the batter properly.
Nutritions
Campero Spicy Chicken provides a rich source of protein from the 2 lbs of chicken pieces used, essential for muscle repair and growth. The batter, made with all-purpose flour and cornstarch, contributes carbohydrates that serve as an energy source, while the marination with spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Your serving includes a portion of zesty dipping sauce containing mayonnaise and honey, which adds fats and a hint of sweetness, balancing the spicy heat. Cooking with vegetable oil at 350degF ensures crispy texture but also increases calorie content through added fats, so be mindful of portion sizes.
Storage
Store leftover Campero Spicy Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain its crispiness and flavor. Reheat in an oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes to restore the crunchy texture without drying out the chicken. Your zesty dipping sauce should be kept separately in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice to achieve a similar tenderizing effect on the chicken. For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with chickpea flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Instead of deep frying, baking the coated chicken on a wire rack at 400degF (200degC) for 35-40 minutes can provide a healthier alternative while retaining crispiness. Experiment with the dipping sauce by adding smoked paprika or swapping chipotle powder for cayenne to adjust the spice level to your preference.
Allergies
Campero Spicy Chicken contains common allergens such as buttermilk and mayonnaise, which include dairy and eggs that may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The blend of spices and hot sauce could also cause irritation for people with spice or pepper allergies. Be cautious if Your dietary needs include avoiding dairy, eggs, or specific spices to prevent any adverse effects.
Why this recipe?
Campero Spicy Chicken from Pollo Campero stands out for its bold blend of spices and perfectly crispy texture, delivering a flavorful kick that excites the palate. The use of high-quality ingredients and a unique marination process intensifies the taste, setting it apart from typical fried chicken dishes. By making a copycat version, you can recreate this signature flavor at home, customizing the spice level to suit Your preferences while enjoying a healthier, freshly made alternative. Its unforgettable combination of heat and crunch makes it a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.