Imagine sinking your teeth into the most irresistibly crunchy, golden-brown fried chicken that's not only mouth-wateringly delicious but also healthier than traditional recipes. This Hungry Girl-inspired fried chicken is about to revolutionize your dinner game, proving that you can enjoy comfort food without compromising on flavor or nutrition. Get ready to discover a recipe that will have your family begging for seconds and your diet plan cheering you on!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet to ensure uniform cooking.
- In a large bowl, marinate chicken breasts in buttermilk for 15-20 minutes, which helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
- In a separate shallow dish, mix whole wheat flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the coating mixture.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer for precise temperature control.
- Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain oil temperature.
- Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from oil and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F internally. This guarantees both safety and juiciness.
- Buttermilk Magic: Don't skip the buttermilk marinade! It's the secret weapon for tenderizing meat and adding incredible flavor.
- Oil Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent 350°F oil temperature. Too low, and your chicken will be greasy; too high, and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
- Batch Cooking Matters: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure each piece gets crispy and cooks evenly.
- Resting Period: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping your chicken crisp and not soggy.Pro tip: For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour mixture before frying!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
