Fried, smothered, covered, & chunked

Who doesn’t love a hot piece of fried chicken? Any fried foods to be honest are so pleasurable, but are they always the best option? Absolutely not! It’s always a mental battle when I’m grabbing fast food for my family and I’m left searching for options similar to theirs. I went home determined to cook up a healthy alternative. Standing in my kitchen searching through my fridge, I began to experiment with what items I had available; because lets me honest, we got FOOD AT HOME! Over the course of the evening, I came up with two recipes for chicken, including a fried version. They were much healthier, but equally pleasing. I hope they bless your pallet, and ease your cravings like it did for me.

Bon Appetit

Toya~

Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken (Low-Calorie, High-Protein)

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 lemon (juiced + zest), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp dried thyme, Salt & Pepper to taste, Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Put it all together suga:

Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper for 30+ minutes. Grill on medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken (Healthier than traditional frying, with a fraction of the oil!)

Ingredients:

2lbs chicken (thighs, drums, or breasts - skin-on for crispiness, or skinless for leaner option), 1 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb), 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crispiness), 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 1tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat), cooking spray.

Put it all together suga:

Prep the chicken: Wash and pat dry with paper towels (this helps the coating stick).

Set up coating stations:

Bowl 1: Whisk eggs (or buttermilk)

Bowl 2: Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Dredge that chicken:

Dip each piece in egg, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mix. Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this ensures even crisping).

Add Crispiness:

Lightly drizzle or spray the chicken with olive oil.

Bake:

At 400'F for 35-45 mins (bone-in takes longer; breasts cook faster). Flip halfway if not using a rack, but a rack helps crisp all sides evenly. Finish under broiler (optional): For extra crunch, broil 1-2 mins at the end (watch closely!).

Leave me a message and tell me if you tried these recipes.

Enjoy~