Imagine combining dinner and dessert all in one tasty package and you have have Fried Chicken and Donuts – the latest recipe in our Traveling Tastebuds series. Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach‘s Executive Chef, John Hart’s Fried Chicken and Donuts recipe may have a few steps, but they are easy to follow and worth it! The menu at Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining reflects the SoCal area with selections like fresh seafood, produce from local farms and herbs from their on-site garden.
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach has a beachy, casual vibe that will make you feel right at home. Just across from the beach, you can watch surfers from your window if you are facing ocean side. They also have a beautiful pool if you aren’t a wave rider. You will love the coastal style rooms. Whether you are relaxing at the spa or meditating by the ocean, it is relaxation at its best. Cape Rey is also a great place for families.
Speaking of families, did you know that Carlsbad, California is also home to Legoland California Resort? Perfect for families with kids 12 years of age and under, it’s also one of the most economical theme parks with tickets for kids from $39 and up. Legoland features rides, attractions and even a water park and it’s only about 10 minutes from Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach.
Now that we’ve covered off a family excursion, let’s get back to talking about family food with this recipe for Fried Chicken and Donuts:
Serves 4-6
INGREDIENTS
Fried Chicken Thigh, boneless, skinless 6 oz 4-6 ea
Donuts, Yeast Ring, bake 5 -10 min. 4 ea.
Nueskie Applewood smoked slab bacon, med dice 5 oz
Maple Black Pepper Cream 4 ounce
GARNISH: fresh garden thyme sprigs 8 ea
MARINADE FOR FRIED CHICKEN
Chicken Thigh, skinless, boneless 6 oz x 4
Garlic, chopped 1 tsp
Fresh oregano, chopped 1 tsp
Eggs, whisked 6 ea
Kosher salt
Black pepper
METHOD
Combine all above and marinate chicken for 2 days
FLOUR AND PANKO DREDGE
Flour, AP 4 cups, season flour with 1 tsp each: kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika
Panko breadcrumbs 2 cups
Combine flour and panko, spices for dredging chicken
FINISH THE FRIED CHICKEN
Drain egg off chicken, dredge chicken in the flour panko mixture, press to ensure all is breaded.
Prepare deep frying oil, we use canola, 340 degrees, fry chicken until done approximately 6-8 minutes, place on paper towels to drain oil.
MAPLE CREAM
Heavy cream ½ cup
Maple syrup 1 cup
Black pepper ground, 1 tsp
Combine above, bring to a boil, simmer for 4 minutes, serve room temperature
APPLE SMOKED NUESKIE BACON
(can use any good thick cut bacon, that is smoked)
Dice bacon and caramelize in a sauté pan. Cool, keep room temperature
SERVING
Arrange donuts on plate or platter, place fried chicken on top of donuts, drizzle maple cream all over and garnish with garden thyme.
Enjoy!