Name: Haitian Fried Chicken (Poul Fri) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Haitian
Ingredients: 9 chicken drumsticks, washed well and patted dry; 7 chicken thighs, washed well and patted dry; 2 cups Haitian epis; 1½ teaspoons kosher salt; 1½ teaspoons black pepper (or to taste); Juice of 1 lemon; 1 quart vegetable oil for frying

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Short Description

A bold and flavorful Haitian classic, Poul Fri features chicken drumsticks and thighs marinated in vibrant Haitian epis, citrus, and aromatics, then deep-fried until golden and crispy—no batter required.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll enjoy Haitian Poul Fri for its deeply fragrant, herb-laced marinade, crisp skin, and succulent meat. Marinating infuses rich island flavors into the chicken, while frying without batter gives a clean, authentic crunch and allows the seasoning to shine.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• 9 chicken drumsticks, washed well and patted dry
• 7 chicken thighs, washed well and patted dry
• 2 cups Haitian epis
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1½ teaspoons black pepper (or to taste)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying

Directions

Wash the chicken thoroughly and pat dry.
In a large bowl, combine the epis, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until every piece is well coated.
Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
When ready, heat oil in a deep fryer to 400°F or in a heavy pan to about 385°F.
Add up to three pieces at a time to maintain oil temperature and avoid overcrowding.
Fry dark meat pieces for up to 12 minutes and white meat pieces for up to 10 minutes, depending on size, until golden and cooked through.
Transfer cooked chicken to a cooling rack or plate lined with paper towels. Cover with foil to keep warm if needed.
Serve hot with traditional sides or your favorite accompaniments.

Servings And Timing

Yields approximately 8 servings
Prep time: about 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: around 50 minutes total frying time

Variations

Air Fryer Option: Spray marinated chicken with olive oil and air fry at 400°F for about 30 minutes until crispy.
Meat Cuts: Use thighs and drumsticks as traditional choices, but wings or breasts may be used—with adjusted cooking times.
Spice Adjustments: Customize epis with more garlic, thyme, hot pepper, or even allspice or smoked paprika for depth.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in an oven at 325°F for about 10–15 minutes, or use an air fryer at 375–400°F for 5–10 minutes to crisp the skin.

FAQs

What Is Haitian Epis?

Epis is a traditional Haitian seasoning base made from fresh herbs, garlic, peppers, citrus, and scallions, forming the foundation of many Haitian dishes.

Can I Marinate Longer Than 30 Minutes?

Yes. Marinating overnight enhances flavor absorption and tenderness, though 30 minutes is a valid minimum.

Do I Need To Fry In Batches?

Yes. Fry in small batches (about 3 pieces at a time) to prevent the oil temperature from dropping and ensure even cooking.

What Temperature Should The Oil Be?

Use about 400°F in a fryer or 385°F in a pan to achieve a crispy, golden crust without overcooking the chicken.

How Do I Know When The Chicken Is Done?

Chicken should be deeply golden, crisp on the outside, and reach at least 165°F internally. Dark meat may take up to 12 minutes, white meat around 10 minutes.

Can I Steam Before Frying?

Some versions steam chicken first for tender meat, then flash-fry it for crispness. This guide follows direct frying without steaming.

What Should I Serve With Poul Fri?

Traditional pairings include Haitian pikliz (spicy slaw), rice and beans, fried plantains, and fresh salad or fried cassava.

Can I Use Other Oils?

Yes. Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil are suitable; avoid low smoke point oils like extra‑virgin olive oil.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes. Since it does not use flour batter, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I Freeze Leftovers?

Yes. Cool completely, pack in freezer bags, and freeze up to one month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat as directed.

Conclusion

Haitian Poul Fri is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean flavors—juicy chicken marinated in bold epis and citrus, fried until crisp without flour, and served with sides that amplify its unmistakable island charm. Easy to customize and perfect for gatherings, this recipe brings authentic taste and satisfying crunch to any table.