Oven-Fried Chicken

July 6: National Fried Chicken Day

Islander loves fried chicken—so much so that she gave it up for Lent one year. After the 40 days of fasting were over, we celebrated her weeks’ long “sacrifice” and ate at a fast food chicken chain for our Easter brunch!  Perhaps she could have satisfied her cravings for fried chicken if it were baked?!? Oven-fried chicken is just as juicy, tender and tasty but less greasy and messy to make at home. It really is not bad for being baked so she can have her guilty pleasure during Lent and on National Fried Chicken Day!

Recipe

(Adapted from Betty Crocker)

• 6-8 chicken legs (or 3 pounds favorite chicken pieces)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2/3 cup flour (we used Bisquick Heart Smart low fat brand)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Directions

Line a baking pan with foil. Put the butter in the pan and bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees F until melted. Keep the pan hot. Meanwhile, combine the flour or Bisquick with the paprika, salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in ths mixture.

Place the chicken in the buttered pan. Bake for 35 minutes, then turn the chicken to the other side and bake for another 15 minutes or until cooked through.

Notes

• It is okay to indulge in fried chicken every now and then, but baking is better than frying for overall good health. Try removing the skins and using a cooking spray or olive oil instead of butter in this recipe.
• This oven-fried chicken recipe is very versatile. Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of dried ranch dressing mix into the flour coating or add some other spices for a different flavor.
• This is similar to Kentucky Fried Chicken’s “original” and not the extra-crispy version. For added crunch in this recipe, dip chicken into two beaten egg whites, roll in a cup of crushed corn flakes cereal mixed with the same seasonings above plus ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves. Bake as above.
• We personally prefer Popeye’s over KFC, Golden Chick and other fast food fried chicken restaurants.
• Search our blog for more chicken recipes.