πππ₯ Apricot Oven Fried Chicken πππ₯
What is it?
Apricot Oven Fried Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the crispy texture of fried chicken with the sweet and tangy taste of apricot glaze. It’s a delightful fusion of savory and fruity flavors that make for a mouthwatering meal.
History:
The exact origin of Apricot Oven Fried Chicken is not well-documented, but it likely evolved from traditional Southern fried chicken recipes. The addition of apricot glaze or sauce brings a unique twist to the classic dish, adding a touch of sweetness and complexity to the flavor profile.
Components:
- Chicken pieces (such as drumsticks, thighs, or breast)
- Apricot preserves or apricot jam
- Flour
- Eggs
- Bread crumbs or panko breadcrumbs
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder)
- Cooking oil or cooking spray
Steps to Prepare Apricot Oven Fried Chicken:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). This high temperature will help create a crispy texture.
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. You can also marinate the chicken in these seasonings for added flavor.
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Coating Station: Set up a coating station with three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Place flour.
- Bowl 2: Beat eggs.
- Bowl 3: Combine breadcrumbs and more seasonings (like paprika or herbs) for extra flavor.
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Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat it with the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
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Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased wire rack. Make sure there’s some space between each piece for even cooking.
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Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning the chicken pieces halfway through for even browning. The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165Β°F (74Β°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
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Apricot Glaze: While the chicken is baking, make the apricot glaze. In a saucepan, heat apricot preserves or jam over low heat until it’s melted and smooth. You can add a pinch of salt or a dash of hot sauce for extra depth of flavor.
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Glazing: Once the chicken is cooked through and has a crispy golden exterior, remove it from the oven. Brush a generous amount of the apricot glaze over each piece.
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Final Bake: Return the glazed chicken to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze becomes caramelized and sticky.
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Serve: Remove the Apricot Oven Fried Chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of the remaining apricot glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Apricot Oven Fried Chicken can vary, but it typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, including prep and cooking time. This is a rough estimate, so actual times may vary depending on your cooking experience and the number of chicken pieces you’re preparing.
Enjoy your delightful and emoji-worthy Apricot Oven Fried Chicken! πππ₯π
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Oven Fried Chicken:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximate values):
- Calories: Around 300-400 calories per serving, depending on the size of the chicken piece and the amount of glaze used.
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams of protein per serving.
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 20-25 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the flour, breadcrumbs, and apricot glaze.
- Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams of fat per serving, mainly from the cooking oil and breadcrumbs.
- Fiber: Minimal dietary fiber content.
- Sugars: The apricot glaze contributes to the sugar content; it can vary but generally between 10-15 grams per serving.
- Sodium: Salt content can vary depending on how much seasoning is used; it’s advisable to control the salt level in the seasoning for a healthier option.
Health Information:
- Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle development and repair.
- Moderate Calories: This dish provides a moderate amount of calories, making it suitable for a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
- Carbohydrates: While the breading contributes to carbohydrates, it’s important to control portion size to manage carb intake.
- Fats: Oven-frying reduces the amount of fat compared to traditional deep-frying, but the breadcrumb coating still adds some fat. Using healthier cooking oils or reducing the amount of oil can make the dish healthier.
- Sugars: The apricot glaze adds sweetness, but it’s advisable to use apricot preserves with no added sugars or control the amount of glaze for a healthier option.
- Sodium: Be mindful of the salt content in the seasoning, especially if you have dietary restrictions related to sodium.
To make Apricot Oven Fried Chicken healthier, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber, using leaner cuts of chicken, and controlling the amount of glaze and salt used in the recipe. Additionally, serving it with a side of vegetables or a salad can make it a more balanced meal.
