Knock Off Fried (Baked) Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the spicy, crunchy goodness of traditional fried chicken in a healthier, oven-baked version. Perfect for lunch, snacks, or even a cold snack, this recipe is a favorite at our home and is incredibly easy to assemble. Below, you’ll find detailed information about this recipe, including ingredients, preparation steps, and nutritional content. This dish combines the hearty flavors of chicken with a unique, spicy coating that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Recipe Details
- Name: Knock Off Fried (Baked) Chicken
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Description: Spicy and crunchy, a favorite at our home and so easy to assemble, healthy too! Also great for a cold snack.
- Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Healthy, < 60 Mins, Easy
Ingredients
This recipe uses a variety of ingredients to create a flavorful and crunchy coating for the chicken. The combination of spices and seasonings ensures a deliciously seasoned chicken that is both spicy and aromatic.
Ingredient Quantities
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup wheat germ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 pound skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups chicken broth
Ingredient Parts
- Worcestershire sauce
- White pepper
- Whole wheat flour
- Wheat germ
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cinnamon
- Paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Ground cloves
- White pepper
- Skinless chicken breasts
- Skinless chicken thighs
- Chicken broth
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their nutritional intake, here is a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving of Knock Off Fried (Baked) Chicken:
- Calories: 406.7 kcal
- Fat Content: 8.2 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.8 g
- Cholesterol Content: 116.4 mg
- Sodium Content: 695.6 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 37.8 g
- Fiber Content: 6.8 g
- Sugar Content: 1.3 g
- Protein Content: 49.5 g
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to prepare Knock Off Fried (Baked) Chicken:
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Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of white pepper. Set this mixture aside.
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Prepare Crunch Coating: In another bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, wheat germ, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, paprika, red pepper flakes, ground cloves, and white pepper. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
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Coat Chicken: Roll the chicken pieces (both breasts and thighs) in the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Then, roll the chicken in the crunch coating mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks to the chicken.
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Prepare Baking Dish: Pour enough chicken broth to coat the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish. Place the coated chicken pieces in the dish and cover them with waxed paper.
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Initial Baking: Bake the chicken for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
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Remove Wax Paper: After 10 minutes, remove the wax paper from the baking dish.
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Final Baking: Return the chicken to the oven and bake until the chicken is golden brown, which should take an additional 10-15 minutes. If the bottom of the pan appears too dry, add more chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.
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Serve: Once baked to a golden brown, remove the chicken from the oven and serve it hot with your favorite sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Knock Off Fried (Baked) Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are a few suggestions to complement this dish:
- Side Dishes: Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad to balance the meal.
- Sauces: Try it with a tangy barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo for added flavor.
Health Benefits
This recipe is not only tasty but also health-conscious. Baking the chicken instead of frying reduces the fat content, while using whole wheat flour and wheat germ adds fiber and essential nutrients. The spices used are also known for their health benefits, such as paprika and garlic powder, which have antioxidant properties.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different spices and coatings to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Herb Variation: Add dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the coating mixture for an herby flavor.
- Nutty Coating: Mix in crushed nuts like almonds or pecans with the wheat germ for an extra crunch.
- Cheesy Twist: Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the coating mixture for a cheesy flavor.
Storage and Reheating
This chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it may make the coating less crispy.
Conclusion
Knock Off Fried (Baked) Chicken is a fantastic option for those who love the taste of fried chicken but want a healthier alternative. With its spicy, crunchy coating and juicy chicken, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy it hot out of the oven or as a cold snack, this dish is versatile and easy to make. Happy cooking!
