Crispy, Juicy, and a Little High: The 2025 Best Cannabis Fried Chicken Recipe

​Fried chicken has long been a beloved comfort food, gracing tables from family dinners to festive gatherings. By introducing cannabis-infused buttermilk into the mix, we elevate this classic dish into an experience that delights the palate and soothes the senses. This recipe offers a harmonious blend of crispy, succulent chicken with the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, making it perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying a cozy night in.​

Understanding Decarboxylation and Infusion

Before diving into the recipe, it's essential to grasp the science behind cannabis cooking—specifically, decarboxylation and infusion.

Decarboxylation is the process of activating the cannabinoids in cannabis, such as THC and CBD, by applying heat. In its raw form, cannabis contains tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which is non-psychoactive. When heated, THCA converts to THC, the compound responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects. This transformation is crucial for creating effective edibles. ​

Infusion involves transferring these activated cannabinoids into a fat-based medium like butter or oil. Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, meaning they bind well with fats, making butter an ideal carrier. This infused butter can then be used in various recipes, ensuring even distribution of cannabis throughout the dish. ​

Crafting Cannabis-Infused Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Now, let's delve into creating this delectable dish. The infusion of cannabis butter not only imparts therapeutic effects but also enhances the chicken's moisture and flavor.​

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons paprika​

• 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper​

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder​

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano​

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper​

• 1 cup buttermilk​

• 1 large grass-fed egg​

• 1 tablespoon sea salt​

• 1 whole chicken (approximately 4 pounds), cut into 10 pieces, or 3 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on breasts, legs, drumsticks, and/or wings​

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour​

• 1/2 cup cornstarch​

• 1 teaspoon baking powder​

• 4 cups vegetable shortening or peanut oil for frying​

• 1 cup cannabis-infused butter

Directions:

Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper.​

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, sea salt, and 2 tablespoons of the spice mixture. Submerge the chicken pieces in this marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.​

Set Up the Dredging Station: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, 2 teaspoons sea salt, and the remaining spice blend. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until thoroughly coated.​

Fry the Chicken: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable shortening or peanut oil to 360°F (182°C). Fry the chicken in batches, skin-side down, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook each piece until golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).​

Infuse with Cannabis Butter: While the chicken is still hot, brush each piece generously with the warmed cannabis-infused butter. This step ensures the cannabis infusion remains potent and imparts a rich, buttery flavor to the crispy chicken.​

Serve and Enjoy: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy responsibly.​

Dosage Considerations

Determining the right dosage is crucial for an enjoyable experience. The potency of your cannabis-infused butter depends on the strain used and the infusion process. It's advisable to start with a small amount and wait at least an hour to gauge its effects before consuming more. Remember, edibles can have a delayed onset compared to other consumption methods. ​

Conclusion

This recipe is easy to make and enjoy! The buttery and creamy rich flavor of buttermilk balanced the tangy earthy taste of cannabis, making them so easy to enjoy. Above all, who doesn't love fried chicken? This recipe will be worth showing off if your friends never had infused dishes!