Introducing a delectable delight: Low-Fat Oven-Fried Chicken, a culinary gem discovered in the pages of Cooking Light, promising tender, succulent chicken enveloped in a tantalizingly crisp crust! Ideal for those seeking a flavorful yet health-conscious meal option, this recipe boasts a mere 297.2 calories per serving, with just 14.3 grams of fat and 4.1 grams of saturated fat, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Crafted for the Chicken Thigh & Leg enthusiasts, this dish showcases the marriage of tender chicken breast halves, savory chicken drumsticks, and flavorful chicken thighs, bathed in a marinade of low-fat buttermilk for a luscious texture and enhanced taste. The journey to culinary bliss begins with a simple yet crucial step: marinating the chicken pieces in a generous dose of low-fat buttermilk for a minimum of one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse the meat with moisture and tenderness, ensuring every bite is bursting with savory goodness.
As the chicken luxuriates in its creamy cocoon, take advantage of this time to preheat your oven to a toasty 450°F, setting the stage for the magic to unfold. Meanwhile, prepare the coating for your chicken by combining a symphony of flavors: all-purpose flour, a dash of salt for depth, a sprinkle of white pepper for a subtle kick, and a hint of ground cumin for a tantalizing twist. Mix these ingredients thoroughly in a large plastic bag, ensuring every morsel of chicken will be adorned with this flavorful ensemble.
Once the hour-long marinade has worked its wonders, it’s time to embark on the next step of this culinary journey. Remove the chicken pieces from their buttermilk bath, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, and transfer them, one by one, into the bag of seasoned flour. Shake gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece is coated evenly in this flavorful mixture, ready to undergo its transformative journey in the oven.
As the chicken emerges from its floury embrace, delicately shake off any excess coating, allowing just enough to cling to the surface for that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Now, arrange the coated chicken pieces lovingly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re nestled comfortably with ample space between each to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness.
Before bidding farewell to your soon-to-be masterpiece, bestow upon it a final touch of culinary magic: a light spritz of cooking spray to promote that coveted golden hue and irresistibly crispy exterior. With your culinary canvas complete, slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the alchemy unfold for approximately 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust boasts a golden brown hue, turning the pieces once after 20 minutes to ensure uniform perfection.
As the tantalizing aroma of herbs and spices fills your kitchen and anticipation reaches its zenith, prepare to unveil your culinary triumph to eager diners. With each succulent bite, savor the tender juiciness of the chicken encased in its flavorful crust, a testament to the artistry of low-fat oven-frying. Whether served as a hearty weeknight dinner or showcased as the star of a special occasion feast, this Low-Fat Oven-Fried Chicken promises to delight taste buds and inspire culinary admiration, one crispy bite at a time. 🍗🌟
