Also known as Poul Fri, Haitian Fried Chicken (Recette poulet frit) skips the batter of the American style dish and instead infuses the meat with aromatic spices and seasonings.
Haitian fried chicken is a great, affordable way to switch up a staple protein with some big, bold flavors and try out a new spin on a classic.
With a crispy surface and succulent, tasty middle, this Haitian Fried Chicken recipe is bound to become your new family favorite.
Chicken
Thighs and drumsticks are great cuts for Haitian Fried Chicken (Recette poulet frit) as the higher fat content and bones prevent the meat from drying out.
It’s up to you whether you’d like to use both cuts or just stick to one, but both are great affordable options that lend themselves perfectly to being fried.
Don’t skip the step where you let the extra liquid drain off the chicken, as adding any liquid into hot oil will cause it to spit, which you want to minimize as much as you can.
Flavorings
The spice blend is what really sets Haitian Fried Chicken (Recette poulet frit) apart from other similar recipes, with a fragrant mix of garlic, cloves, sometimes paprika as well as hot pepper such as cayenne or Scotch bonnet pepper, and thyme that gives it that signature bold flavor profile.
Meanwhile, the citrus helps to cut through the spices and add an acidity that really balances out the dish.
Marinating the chicken in the refrigerator will help all these delicious spices to really penetrate the meat, resulting in a delicious dish, however if you are in a rush there’s no harm in letting it sit for just 30 minutes or so before you cook.
The flavors won’t be quite as deep, but you’ll still end up with some tasty fried chicken.
Do I Need A Deep Fryer To Make Haitian Fried Chicken?
While fryers can be convenient and help with temperature control, there’s no reason why you can’t fry your chicken in a deep sided metal or cast iron pot.
The main thing to bear in mind if you are using a pot is that you don’t want to fill it up more than a third, as hot oil expands and can be dangerous.
Similarly, if you are cooking on gas you want to make sure that the flames don’t extend outside of the sides of the pot so there is no risk of the oil igniting.
It may sound scary, but stick to the rules and keep a close eye on your oil and after a few tries you’ll be deep frying like a pro.
What Can I Serve With Haitian Fried Chicken?
To stick with a Haitian flavor, traditional side dishes like rice and beans or fried plantain can be a great accompaniment to Haitian Fried Chicken.
However, this is a highly versatile dish which will go well with all kinds of sides, from a fresh green salad to fries to macaroni and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Haitian fried chicken do not use flour batter. The chicken naturally crisp up when deep fried.
The best seasoning for Haitian fried chicken is to make sure you make the Epis. This will add the authentic flavor you are looking for.
Cleaning the meat is very important. We suggest following the method here in our poulet en sauce recipe to know how to clean the meat properly.
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Haitian Fried Chicken (Poul Fri) Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 Chicken Drumsticks Washed well and pat dry
- 7 Chicken Thighs Washed well and pat dry
- 2 Cups Haitian Epis
- 1 ½ Tsp. Kosher Salt And Black Pepper 1 ½ Tsp. Each or to taste
- Juice From 1 Lemon
- 1 Qt. Vegetable Oil For Frying
Instructions
Haitian Deep Fry Chicken
- Wash the meat well. See Poulet En Sauce post for washing instructions. Pat the meat dry with cleaned towel (optional), or simply transfer the meat to a large bowl onced cleaned. Add the Epis, salt and pepper (to taste), and lemon juice. Mix well until all of the pieces are coated with the seasoning on all sides. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- When ready to fry, add the oil to the pan or deep fryer. If using a deep fryer, adjut the temperature to 400°. If using a deep frying pan, allow the oil come to temperature at 385°.Add 3 pieces at a time as you do not want to overcrowd the pan or deep fryer, which will lower the temperature quickly. Deep fry dark meat, 3 at a time for up to 12 minutes. Deep fry white meat for up to 10 minutes depending on the size. Transfer to a cooling rack if serving immediately, or place in a dish and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Enjoy!
Haitian Air Fryer Chicken
- When ready to cook the chicken. Transfer the chicken tot he air fryer basket. Spray the chicken with olive oil. Air fryer at 400° for 30 minutes. Please see the Fish And Chips Post for air fryer suggestions.
BARBARA TAYLOR
How do I make the Haitian Epis?
Mirlene
Hi Barbara,
Click here to make the Haitian Epis.
Tavo
I loved the Haitian seasoning, a whole discovery; I need to use it in more recipes; the chicken was fantastic!
Anjali
This dish was so flavorful!! Definitely my new favorite way to cook chicken at home!
Carrie Robinson
Wow! Now this looks incredible! I would MUCH rather have this over traditional southern fried chicken. 😉
Kelley
This was so good and flavorful! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Cam
I made these in the air fryer last night and we LOVED THEM! I loved that I didn’t need to make a batter and they still have sooo much flavor and a really amazing crispy coating. Will definitely be making this again!
Mirlene
I am so glad to hear that, Cam! Thank you.
Michenet
Proud Haitian.
We Love you.
Mirlene
Hi Michenet! THANK YOU SOO MUCH 🙂 🙂
Naz Sicherman
Made this last night in the air fryer and it was delicious! Bone in skin on thighs took about 20 minutes in the fryer. The thighs were medium sized so wise to keep an eye on the meat as it cooks. The epis is complex in flavors and made this chicken amazing! Thanks! This will be a regular menu item for us.
Mirlene
WOW! Thank you so much, Naz. I am very glad the Epis worked out for you. It is truly amazing to read your comment. Thank you for making the chicken and the Epis.
Naz Sicherman
This sounds wonderful. Can it be air fried?
Mirlene
Yes, you can definitely make it in the air fryer. Please see the instructions as it has been updated to reflect the air fryer instructions. Thank you, Naz!
Naz Sicherman
Thanks Mirlene! I am going to make the Epis today and give this chicken a go in the air fryer! I will keep you posted on how it turns out! The epis sounds wonderful and I may try it with cassava too!
Mirlene
Thank you so much. I am looking forward to hearing how it turns out. 🙂 Please enjoy!
Derrick
I was wondering when that post would be coming up. I love Haitian fried chicken, but not everyone can make a good fried chicken since they tend to over cook it. Will be trying this soon.
Mirlene
Thank you so much Derrick! I am so glad to hear that.
Jasmine
Yeesssss!!! I have been waiting for this. Fried chicken, my favorite and love the simple recipe to make it. Can’t wait to try it. Can’t go wrong with the Haitian epis.
Mirlene
Thank you so much Jasmine!!! Please enjoy 🙂
Michelle
This is the BEST Haitian fried chicken ever! No batter is needed.