Mimosa Fried Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic Southern favorite. By adding a splash of mimosa—a refreshing blend of sparkling wine and citrus juice—we give the chicken a subtle tang and extra crispiness that makes every bite unforgettable. This recipe combines the best of brunch and comfort food in one delicious dish.
We love how the mimosa marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with bright, zesty flavors. It’s perfect for weekend gatherings or a special treat when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a fried chicken fan or looking to try something new, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
Below are the key Ingredients we need to craft our Mimosa Fried Chicken recipe, from the zesty marinade to the luscious mimosa sauce and crispy breading. Each element contributes to the bold flavor and crunchy texture that make this dish unforgettable.
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 cup sparkling wine (preferably Brut for dry acidity)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (strained)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks preferred)
For the Breading
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Mimosa Sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup sparkling wine
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh orange zest for garnish
Additional Ingredients and Garnishes
- Vegetable oil for frying (amount depends on pot size)
- Fresh orange slices for garnish
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Optional: hot sauce for serving
| Ingredient Category | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Chicken Marinade | Sparkling wine, orange juice, garlic |
| Breading | Flour, cornstarch, baking powder |
| Mimosa Sauce | Orange juice, sparkling wine, honey |
| Garnishes & Frying Essentials | Vegetable oil, orange slices, herbs |
With these essentials lined up, we’re ready to dive into the delicious process ahead.
Equipment Needed
To master the Mimosa Fried Chicken Recipe, having the right equipment on hand is essential. Each tool plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor, from marinating to frying. Here is the detailed list of the equipment we will use throughout the recipe:
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | To combine and marinate the chicken with mimosa ingredients |
| Whisk | For blending the marinade and sauce smoothly |
| Measuring cups & spoons | For precise ingredient measurements |
| Deep frying pan or Dutch oven | To fry the chicken evenly in oil |
| Cooking thermometer | To monitor oil temperature for safe frying |
| Wire rack and baking sheet | For draining excess oil and keeping chicken crispy |
| Tongs | To handle chicken pieces safely during frying |
| Plate or shallow dish | To hold the flour and breading mixture |
Using a deep frying pan or Dutch oven allows us to maintain consistent heat for crispy, golden chicken. The cooking thermometer ensures oil stays between 350°F and 375°F, the ideal range for frying. After frying, resting chicken on a wire rack keeps it crisp and prevents sogginess.
Incorporating accurate measuring tools like cups and spoons ensures we get the right balance of flavors in our marinade and coating. Finally, a whisk helps us emulsify the mimosa marinade and sauce perfectly for that tangy punch.
Prep Work
Before we dive into frying, it’s crucial to properly prepare the chicken and the mimosa sauce. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor and the perfect balance of crispiness and zest.
Preparing the Chicken
To start, we trim any excess fat from the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key for the marinade to adhere well and for the breading to stick perfectly.
Next, we combine the mimosa marinade — sparkling wine, freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic spices — in a large bowl. We fully submerge the chicken pieces into this mixture.
Tip: Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the citrus and wine to tenderize the meat and infuse it with a vibrant tang.
After marinating, we remove the chicken and let any excess liquid drip off. We set the chicken aside while preparing the breading, ensuring it stays moist but not soggy.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Trim and pat dry | Remove excess fat and ensure dry surface |
| Marinate | Submerge in mimosa marinade for 4+ hours or overnight |
| Drain before breading | Let excess marinade drip off for optimal breading |
Making the Mimosa Sauce
While the chicken marinates, we start the mimosa sauce — a vibrant drizzle that elevates the fried chicken’s flavor.
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup sparkling wine, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
- Whisk the mixture over medium heat until it slightly thickens and becomes glossy, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
The sauce is tangy with a subtle hint of sweetness and a smooth finish from the mustard, perfectly complementing the crispy chicken.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Orange juice | 1/2 cup | Citrus base for sauce |
| Sparkling wine | 1/4 cup | Adds fizz and complexity |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons | Natural sweetener |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon | Adds depth and smoothness |
This mimosa sauce will be drizzled over the chicken just before serving, tying the entire dish together with a zesty, sparkling finish.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Mimosa Fried Chicken with a crispy, tangy, and tender finish. Each stage is crafted to maximize flavor and texture.
Marinating the Chicken
- Trim excess fat from the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mimosa marinade—sparkling wine, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Submerge the chicken pieces fully in the marinade. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the citrus and sparkling wine to deeply tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess liquid drip off before breading.
Pro Tip: Marinating longer intensifies flavor and improves moisture retention inside the chicken.
Preparing the Breading Station
Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes for efficient dredging:
| Dish | Contents |
|---|---|
| 1 | All-purpose flour mixed with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder |
| 2 | Beaten eggs |
| 3 | Cornstarch combined with cayenne pepper and black pepper |
Steps:
- Lightly coat each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs to moisten.
- Press the chicken firmly into the cornstarch mixture for that extra crispy coating.
- Set breaded chicken pieces on a wire rack while oil heats.
Frying the Chicken
- Heat your oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature precisely.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces in the hot oil without overcrowding the pan.
- Fry in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even golden-brown crispiness.
- Use tongs to remove the chicken and transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Allow chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Safety Note: Maintaining the oil temperature prevents greasy chicken and ensures perfect crunch.
Serving and Garnishing
- Arrange the Mimosa Fried Chicken on a large serving platter.
- Drizzle with the prepared mimosa sauce made from orange juice, sparkling wine, honey, and Dijon mustard.
- Garnish with fresh orange slices and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a colorful presentation.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the coating is crisply delightful.
Tips and Variations
To elevate our Mimosa Fried Chicken experience and tailor it to different tastes and occasions, consider these expert tips and creative variations.
Tips for Perfect Mimosa Fried Chicken
- Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor and tenderness let the chicken marinate in the mimosa mixture for at least 8 hours or overnight. The citrus and sparkling wine tenderize the meat deeply.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the frying oil temperature steady between 325°F – 350°F (163°C – 177°C) to ensure a crispy golden crust without greasy chicken.
- Use Cornstarch in Breading: Adding cornstarch to the flour mix creates an ultra-crispy coating that locks in juiciness.
- Dry Chicken Before Breading: Pat the chicken dry after marinating to help the breading adhere better and become extra crunchy.
- Rest Chicken on Wire Rack: After frying place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness.
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Marinate Time | Minimum 8 hours or overnight |
| Frying Oil Temperature | 325°F – 350°F (163°C – 177°C) |
| Breading Composition | Flour + Cornstarch blend |
| Dry Chicken Before Breading | Essential for crisp coating |
| Cooling Method | Wire rack over baking sheet to prevent sogginess |
“Consistent oil temperature is key to achieving the signature crunch of our Mimosa Fried Chicken.”
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Mimosa Kick: Add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy citrus punch.
- Herb-Infused Marinade: Include fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or tarragon in the mimosa marinade for a fragrant note.
- Buttermilk-Style Swap: Replace half the sparkling wine in the marinade with buttermilk for a creamier tang.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch for the coating without compromising on crunch.
- Citrus Zest Boost: Add extra lemon and orange zest to the breading mix for an intensified citrus aroma.
Serving Suggestions Variations
- Drizzle the finished chicken with a honey-mimosa glaze by reducing the mimosa sauce to a syrup consistency.
- Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad with oranges, grapefruit, and berries to complement the citrus flavors.
- Pair with a light sparkling wine or mimosa cocktail to complete the brunch-inspired theme.
Embracing these Tips and Variations allows us to customize the classic Mimosa Fried Chicken recipe to suit our preferences and impress any crowd with bold, vibrant flavors paired with perfect crispiness.
Conclusion
Trying out the Mimosa Fried Chicken recipe opens up a delicious way to enjoy a classic dish with a refreshing twist. The blend of sparkling wine and citrus not only brightens the flavor but also gives the chicken a unique crispiness that stands out.
Whether we’re cooking for a weekend brunch or a special gathering, this recipe offers a flavorful experience that’s sure to impress. With a few simple steps and the right ingredients, we can easily bring this vibrant dish to our table and enjoy every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Mimosa Fried Chicken different from traditional fried chicken?
Mimosa Fried Chicken is marinated in a unique mimosa mixture of sparkling wine and citrus juice, which adds a tangy zest and helps achieve extra crispiness, setting it apart from classic recipes.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
For optimal flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least four hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the citrus and sparkling wine to fully infuse the meat.
What key ingredients are used in the mimosa marinade?
The mimosa marinade includes sparkling wine, fresh orange and lemon juice, garlic, and spices, creating a bright and flavorful base for the chicken.
Why is cornstarch added to the breading mixture?
Cornstarch is added to the breading mix to increase the crispiness of the fried chicken coating, giving it a light, crunchy texture.
What equipment do I need to prepare Mimosa Fried Chicken properly?
Essential equipment includes a large mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, a cooking thermometer, wire rack, baking sheet, tongs, and a shallow dish for breading.
How do I maintain the oil temperature for frying?
Keep the oil temperature steady between 325°F and 350°F using a cooking thermometer to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy crust.
Can I customize the Mimosa Fried Chicken recipe?
Yes, you can add cayenne pepper for spice, use buttermilk in the marinade for a creamier tang, or drizzle a honey-mimosa glaze to suit your taste preferences.
What is the best way to serve Mimosa Fried Chicken?
Serve the chicken hot, garnished with fresh orange slices and herbs. Pair it with sides like fresh fruit salad to complement the zesty flavors.
How do I make the mimosa sauce that accompanies the chicken?
Combine fresh orange juice, sparkling wine, honey, and Dijon mustard to create a tangy, sweet sauce that you drizzle over the chicken just before serving.