Tuesday 23 June 2015

SOUTHERN SPICED UNFRIED CHICKEN, Low-fat

Just like you-know-who's but much better for you 

1st posted 2015; updated 2024
The taste, crunch and juiciness of a high street brand but better
and much much healthier. 'Sensational!' Tasters


FOR DAIRY FREE, See 'No -Dairy Southern Spiced Unfried Chicken' 

These succulent crispy pieces of chicken are a delightful surprise -- they're low-fat, low-calorie and beautifully spiced.  They're perfect for picnics but are also great hot.

And, in frugal times, they turn economy chicken into something very tasty and special.

The energetic 60's+ couple who were guinea pigs pronounced the chicken 'sensational' and they also loved the Waldorf Salad with it.  

The recipe includes several spices and was inspired by a popular High Street brand.  Adults will love it but children, possibly not. The recipe includes alternate spicing for (a) those who haven't had a chance to build up their spice cupboard and (b) for children or those wanting a mellower take. 

Prep takes place the night before needed but if you're working with boneless thighs, 4 hours in the marinade works better than overnight.

Cost: £7.50'ish for a whole chicken, less for cheaper chicken portions
Feeds: 6-8 (half recipe works well for small households)

Ingred:

1 whole chicken, backbone removed (and kept for stock), in 8 pieces (breasts halved, legs divided into drumstick and thighs) OR about a kilo of packaged breasts (halved), thighs, drumsticks and/or wings

200 ml low-fat yoghurt (straining is not required for this recipe) 

SPICES
  2 tsp celery salt
  1/2-1 tsp salt
  2 tsp pepper
  2 tsp paprika
  1 tsp cayenne pepper
  1/2 tsp thyme
  2 tsp oregano
  2 tsp cumin
  1 tsp coriander 

OR 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning with extra cayenne to taste

OR for children, 2 tsp dried tarragon, 2/3 tsp rosemary, 4 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (best) or 4 tsp dried

125 gm panko (the best you can afford) or homemade breadcrumbs (stale bread blitzed in a blender)

Method:
  1. The night before, thoroughly mix spices & yoghurt. Pour the yoghurt into a large, strong bag.  
  2. Remove chicken skin. Add chicken to yoghurt, rub to coat all pieces.  Refrigerate overnight.
  3. About an hour before cooking, bring chicken to room temperature.  Drain off most but not all the yoghurt
  4. Preheat oven to 200c, 400f, gas 6
  5. If panko/breadcrumbs are lumpy, place in a plastic bag and bash with a rolling pin.  Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper; settle a baking rack in it
  6. Roll each piece of chicken in panko/ breadcrumbs to generously coat, patting it on gently if necessary.  If you have plenty of crumbs, a second coating will increase crispiness.  Place on the rack.  Spray lightly with olive oil, especially on the undersides and edges.
  7. Bake 35-45 min.  If the chicken browns too quickly, cover with greaseproof paper or foil.
  8. Eat hot or at room temperature. 

Tip:
  • supermarkets are offering great bargains with chicken; try to get the best you can afford
  • If cholesterol is not a problem, pour a light coating of oil into the baking pan and lay the chicken directly in it; this ensures a very crispy bottom.

 

For more heath-giving Chicken recipes, go to NavBar/RecipesI/chicken


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Copyright: This recipe has been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission.

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