"Fried" Chicken

I think it's safe to say that Stephen and I are connoisseurs when it comes to Southern fried chicken. We both worked at KFC during our teens as cooks (amongst other things), and were very good at our jobs; and recently we had a bit of an education in fried chicken when we went to New Orleans.

I did enjoy the fried chicken we tried in the US, but I didn't enjoy the nauseating, ill feeling that I took home with me from all the oil, so when Stephen showed me a recipe for fried chicken in Bill's Basics I got a little excited. Bill Granger is particularly skilled at creating healthier versions of indulgent recipes, and his fried chicken is no exception: mildly spiced and marinated in buttermilk, the chicken is then crumbed and baked in the oven. Of course, we completely ruined the improved nutritional value by serving the chicken with mashed potato and coleslaw, but we felt it added an authentic touch, and it was definitely delicious!

"Fried" Chicken
Adapted from Bill's Basics by Bill Granger

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 tsp ground sea salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp turmeric
2 tsp ground coriander
3 tsp sweet paprika
12 chicken pieces (we used drumsticks and thighs)
2 1/2 cups white breadcrumbs

1. Combine the buttermilk, salt, ginger, turmeric, half the coriander and half the paprika in a large bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 4 hours (the longer the better).

2. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Take the chicken from the fridge and brush a large baking tray with olive oil. Mix the breadcrumbs with the rest of the spices and a little salt and pepper. Drain the chicken, coat evenly in the breadcrumbs and place on the tray.

3. Bake in the oven for 40 - 45 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Serve with mashed potato mixed with bacon and onion, and homemade coleslaw.

Comments

[Helene Dsouza I Masala Herb]

cooking oil can be very nauseating at times. I dont like it either in masses. I have noted down your fried chicken recipe, looks delicious!

[yummychunklet]

Wow. This chicken looks delicious, but I also grew up on KFC, so that's tasty as well!

[InTolerantChef]

Oooh, I'm so making this one for sure!! Yummm!!

[Apple]

Lol its a fried chicken week I think. I've never thought to try the southern style at home! Might try and whip some up this weekend :)

[Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella]

I love "baked" fried chicken too. I must take another look at this recipe in the cookbook!

[Hotly Spiced]

You got me with the title! I just love fried chicken. Love what you've done with it. I would serve it with coleslaw and mashed potatoes too - only in the best interests of authenticity!

[Chopinand @ ChopinandMysaucepan]

Dear Jasmyne,

I'm with you coz I think chicken baked nicely in an oven is just as good as fried chicken except it's a lot healthier too!

[Joanne]

Fried chicken has it's time and place but this baked version sounds like a delicious compromise!

[Juliana]

Jasmyne, I like the way you prepared this chicken...much better than the fried version. Like the spice that you marinated the chicken...yummie!
Hope you are having a fabulous week :)

[Von]

Mmm...this 'fried' chicken looks so delicious I'll definitely have to try this some time!! I don't like frying things, but I do love fried chicken- this is the perfect solution! haha...

[excusemewaiter]

fried chicken is always a winner! storing this recipe away for my next KFC craving.

[shez]

That "fried" chicken looks as good as the real thing! Love the buttermilk soaking - it makes the chicken (or any bird really) so so tender.

[Rita (mademoiselle délicieuse)]

Baked, did you say? I need to bookmark this to try - partly because it's a Bill Granger recipe (always find them reliable) plus I have a fear of deep-frying (burns and uses up soooo much oil). I've often used his recipe for breaded/crumbed baked chicken so reckon this'll make a good addition/alternative.

[Alana]

Cool! This recipe completely obliterates all notions of daggy, crumbed chicken in my mind. Nice spices, too; might give this a try in the coming week!

[Roasting pan]

A friend of my husband's, who happens to be a retired physician, is a firm believer of holistic practices in what we eat. He recently conveyed the significance of eating food prepared with turmeric, coriander, and ginger...however, I'm not remembering his reasoning behind the importance. Your recipe sounds incredibly delicious with these added spices. By the way, we are from New Orleans...hope you enjoyed your visit.