Sweet'n Spicy Crispy Chicken

I am sure that I've mentioned how scared I am to fry things. I have tried but failed at frying.  This faux fried chicken really worked out well for me.  I wasn't doing it because I was worried about calories or fat but it definitely was a great way to get that fried chicken taste without actually frying it.  This recipe comes from Fitness Magazine.  It has several optional ideas that I will add for you.  The article also states that a thinner layer of cornflakes equals crispier chicken, which makes sense.  So, brush off any excess cornflakes before baking the chicken.


Sweet'n Spicy Crispy Chicken
Makes: 8 servings

Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
2 cups crushed cornflakes
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Lightly coat a 13 by 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2.  To make the glaze: Whisk together apricot preserves, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and hot pepper sauce in a small bowl.

3.  Mix together the cornflakes, salt, thyme and black pepper on a piece of waxed paper.

4.  Brush chicken breasts with apricot glaze and coat in cornflake mixture.  Arrange chicken in a single layer in prepared baking dish.

5.  Bake chicken 35 minutes or until internal temperature registers 170 degrees on an instant read thermometer.

The article also mentions that you can dredge the chicken in these ingredients instead of cornflakes:

• 2-1/2 cups crushed whole-wheat melba toast
• 1-1/2 cups whole-wheat flour + 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 2 cups whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs
• 1-1/4 cups whole-wheat flour + 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 2 cups whole-wheat bread crumbs + 1/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar

These all sound like great ideas to me.  I may try a few of them.

Enjoy!

The Creative Cook

Best Steak Marinade in Existence

This is really good steak marinade.  I used it twice over the summer.  Everyone enjoyed it.

Best Steak Marinade in Existence

servings: 4

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2-1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon and 1-1/2 dried basil
2-1/4 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried minced garlic (optional)



Directions:

1.  Place the soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, basil, parsley, and pepper in a blender.  Add hot pepper sauce and garlic powder, if desired.  Blend on high speed for 30 seconds until thoroughly mixed.

2.  Pour marinade over desired type of meat.  Cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.  Cook meat as desired.

Enjoy!

The Creative Cook