State Fair Fried Chicken on a Stick
At the Minnesota State Fair, everything comes on a stick - including fried chicken! These boneless chunks of crispy, golden chicken on wooden skewers capture the spirit of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Fair food perfection you can make at home.
Equipment Needed
Instructions
Cut and skewer the chicken: Cut chicken thighs into large chunks (about 2-inch pieces). Thread 3-4 pieces onto each wooden skewer, leaving space at the bottom for a handle.
Marinate in buttermilk: Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a shallow dish. Add chicken skewers, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Prepare fair-style breading: Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. The cornstarch creates extra crunch.
Heat the oil: Fill a Dutch oven or deep fryer with oil to 4 inches depth. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Deep oil is needed for the skewers.
Bread the skewers: Remove chicken skewers from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Roll in seasoned flour, coating all sides thoroughly. Let rest 5 minutes.
Fry to golden perfection: Carefully lower 2-3 skewers at a time into hot oil. Fry 6-8 minutes, turning once, until deep golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F.
Drain and season: Remove to a wire rack. Season immediately with a light sprinkle of salt while hot.
Serve fair style: Stand skewers upright in paper cones or serve in paper boats. Offer honey mustard and ranch for dipping. Best eaten while walking around pretending you're at the Fair!
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- The Minnesota State Fair: The second largest state fair in America has been putting food on sticks since 1992. It's now a proud tradition.
- Boneless is key: Fair food needs to be walkable. Boneless chicken makes this easy to eat on the go.
- Double-dip variation: For extra crispy, dip back in buttermilk and flour again before frying.
- Sweet corn dog batter: For authentic fair experience, dip in corn dog batter instead of flour coating.
- Multiple dipping sauces: Minnesotans love their dipping options - offer ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, and buffalo.
- Serve in paper boats: Presentation matters! Red and white checkered paper boats complete the fair experience.