Fried Chicken Feet Recipe: Crispy, Bold & Unforgettable!

How to Make Fried Chicken Feet with Garlic & Heat

Fried Chicken Feet Recipe: Crispy, Bold & Unforgettable!

Learn how to make flavorful, southern-style, crispy fried chicken feet finished in a spicy garlic sauce you’ll crave again and again.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings servings

Calories 663kcal

Author Mirlene

Equipment

Ingredients

To Boil Together

3.28 lbs chicken feets nails cut
4 cups water
3 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Baking soda

Breading seasoning to apply over the feet

1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp. Onion powder
1 tsp. Parsley flakes
1 tsp. Dried oregano
1 tsp. Ground coriander
1 tsp. Ground Black pepper
1 tsp. Paprika
1 Chicken bouillon cube
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1 tsp. Oil

For the sauce

2 tbsp. Oil
4 garlic cloves minced
5 thyme sprigs
Fresh ginger about thumb size
2 habanero pepper minced
1 tsp tomato paste
1/4 cup water

Instructions

Boil the Chicken Feet
In a large pot, combine 3.28 lbs of chicken feet (nails cut), 4 cups water, 3 tsp salt, and ½ tsp baking soda. Boil for 15 minutes or until the feet are tender. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
Season for Frying
In a large bowl, mix ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp parsley flakes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 chicken bouillon cube (crushed), ½ tsp ground cloves, ½ tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp oil. Toss the boiled chicken feet in the mixture until fully coated.
Fry the Feet
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry the chicken feet in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the Sauce
In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp oil. Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves, 5 thyme sprigs, grated ginger, and 2 minced habanero peppers for 2–3 minutes. Add 1 tsp tomato paste and ¼ cup water. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes. Toss in the fried chicken feet and coat well.

Notes

First Things First—Let’s Clean Them Right

Before you even think about seasoning or boiling, you have to clean the chicken feet properly. I like to start by soaking them in warm water and scrubbing them to remove any dirt or residue.

Then, I use kitchen shears to snip off the nails at each toe joint—it’s super easy and makes the final dish look (and feel) better. If there’s any yellow outer skin left, just peel it off—it comes right off with a little tug.

Tips for Fried Chicken Feet Success

Cut off the nails before cooking. Trust me, it makes a difference.
Dry them well after boiling so the breading sticks properly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying—you want them crisp, not soggy.

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Calories are estimated per serving.

Nutrition