• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Savory Thoughts
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
    • Main Dishes
    • Breakfast
    • Side Dishes
    • Vegetarian
    • Sweets
    • Drinks and Cocktails
    • Seafood
    • Soups and Stews
    • Vitamix
    • Haitian
    • Instant Pot
    • Air Fryer
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Quick Easy & Delicious Haitian Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Haitian Food » Haitian Fried Chicken

    Haitian Fried Chicken

    Posted On February 26, 2021 By Mirlene Last updated December 16, 2021 19 Comments

    • Pin
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Mix
    • Flipboard
    Jump to Recipe
    Haitian Fried Chicken (Poul Fri / Recette Poulet Frit) - Savory Thoughts

    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)

    What is the secret to Haitian fried chicken?

    Haitian fried chicken do not use flour batter. The chicken naturally crisp up when deep fried.

    What’s the best season for Haitian Chicken?

    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.

    How to clean the chicken?

    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.

    More Chicken Recipes To Enjoy

    Air Fryer Whole Chicken

    Haitian Chicken Tacos

    Japanese Fried Chicken

    Deep Fried Chicken Wings 

    Thai Chicken Skewers 

    Firecracker Chicken

    Chicken Fried Steak

    We would love to know if you tried this recipe, tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.

    Please follow us on YouTube to see all of our latest videos!

    horizontal view picture of chicken on plate

    Haitian Fried Chicken (Poul Fri) Recipe

    Savory Thoughts
    Also known as Poul Fri, Haitian Fried Chicken (Poul Fri / Recette poulet frit) skips the batter of the American style dish and instead infuses the meat with aromatic spices and seasonings.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 50 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine Caribbean, Haitian
    Servings 8 People
    Calories 394 kcal

    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.
      chicken marinating in seasoning
    • 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!
      hand holding chicken on plate over rack

    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.
      chicken on rack

    Video

    Notes

    **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera icon so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
    **** Calories are estimated per serving.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8PeopleCalories: 394kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 106mgSodium: 1078mgPotassium: 212mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 4IUCalcium: 16mgIron: 9mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    « Salmon Burger From Canned Salmon
    Carrot Cake Bread – Loaf Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tavo

      July 28, 2022 at 10:51 pm

      5 stars
      I loved the Haitian seasoning, a whole discovery; I need to use it in more recipes; the chicken was fantastic!

      Reply
    2. Anjali

      July 28, 2022 at 10:29 pm

      5 stars
      This dish was so flavorful!! Definitely my new favorite way to cook chicken at home!

      Reply
    3. Carrie Robinson

      July 28, 2022 at 8:20 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! Now this looks incredible! I would MUCH rather have this over traditional southern fried chicken. 😉

      Reply
    4. Kelley

      July 28, 2022 at 7:29 pm

      5 stars
      This was so good and flavorful! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
    5. Cam

      July 28, 2022 at 6:01 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        July 29, 2022 at 11:32 am

        I am so glad to hear that, Cam! Thank you.

        Reply
    6. Michenet

      March 15, 2021 at 3:35 pm

      Proud Haitian.
      We Love you.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        March 16, 2021 at 1:02 am

        Hi Michenet! THANK YOU SOO MUCH 🙂 🙂

        Reply
    7. Naz Sicherman

      March 04, 2021 at 4:21 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        March 05, 2021 at 1:34 am

        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.

        Reply
    8. Naz Sicherman

      March 01, 2021 at 3:58 pm

      This sounds wonderful. Can it be air fried?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        March 02, 2021 at 4:05 pm

        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!

        Reply
        • Naz Sicherman

          March 02, 2021 at 10:53 pm

          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!

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            March 03, 2021 at 1:17 am

            Thank you so much. I am looking forward to hearing how it turns out. 🙂 Please enjoy!

            Reply
    9. Derrick

      February 26, 2021 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 26, 2021 at 1:38 pm

        Thank you so much Derrick! I am so glad to hear that.

        Reply
    10. Jasmine

      February 26, 2021 at 1:35 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 26, 2021 at 1:36 pm

        Thank you so much Jasmine!!! Please enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    11. Michelle

      February 26, 2021 at 1:33 pm

      5 stars
      This is the BEST Haitian fried chicken ever! No batter is needed.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    We’re AJ & Mirlene. We create delicious traditional Haitian Food Recipes with a spin to make it easy for you to make. Join us and let's cook something delicious!

    Learn more about us ->

    Savory Thoughts Author Portrait

    As Seen On

    Favorite Recipes

    Copyright © 2023 · SAVORYTHOUGHTS.COM · Privacy Policy