Name: Fried Chicken Thighs with Cheesy Grits
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups buttermilk; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs; Kosher salt; 1 1/2 cups white grits (not instant); 4 ounces cream cheese; 2 ounces finely grated Parmesan; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more; 2 cups vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 bunches kale, or Swiss chard, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into 2" pieces; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar; 1 tablespoon hot pepper jelly, plus more for serving; A deep-fry thermometer

Fried chicken thighs with cheesy grits and kale on a white plate.

Photo by Nicole Franzen

If you prefer white-meat chicken, use skinless, boneless breasts that have been cut in half crosswise.

Recipe notes

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Recipe notes

41 Time-Saving Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipes

How to Avoid a Grease Fire

Five Great Boutique Grains You Can Order Online

How to Tell the Difference Between Cornmeal, Corn Flour, Polenta, and Grits

It's Fried Chicken Time