Oprah’s Unfried Chicken is a delectable rendition of the classic fried chicken, brought to you by Rosie, Oprah’s personal chef, and featured in Rosie’s cookbook. This recipe offers a healthier twist on the Colonel’s original, presenting a flavorful, low-fat alternative that doesn’t skimp on taste. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time.
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights or potluck gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Each serving boasts a mere 379.9 calories and 5 grams of fat, making it a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
To start, preheat your oven to 400°F, ensuring it’s nice and hot for that perfect crispy finish. While the oven heats up, remove the skin from six skinless chicken breast halves, a step that helps reduce the fat content while still locking in juicy flavor. Next, place all the chicken pieces in a large bowl filled with ice water, a technique that helps ensure tender, moist chicken.
In a separate medium bowl, scoop out six portions of plain nonfat yogurt, which will serve as the base for the breading mixture. Set this aside as you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Don’t forget to spray a baking sheet with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and ensure a golden crust.
Now, it’s time to create the flavorful breading for your chicken. In a large, tight-sealing bag, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with a tantalizing array of spices, including garlic powder, thyme, basil, oregano, and black pepper. Give the bag a good shake to mix everything together, infusing the flour with aromatic flavor.
With your breading mixture ready, it’s time to coat the chicken. Remove two pieces at a time from the ice water bath and roll each piece in the yogurt, ensuring a thorough coating. Then, transfer the chicken to the plastic bag containing the breading mix. Seal the bag tightly and shake vigorously, ensuring each piece is completely coated in the flavorful mixture.
Once coated, place the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced for even cooking. For that extra crispiness, lightly spray the chicken with vegetable oil before placing the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake the chicken for 1 hour, turning the pieces over every 20 minutes to ensure even browning. As the aroma fills your kitchen and the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown, you’ll know it’s ready to be enjoyed.
With its crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior, Oprah’s Unfried Chicken is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether served alongside your favorite sides or enjoyed on its own, this flavorful dish is a testament to the fact that healthier alternatives can be just as delicious as the original. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every bite of this guilt-free indulgence.
