Why Oven Baked Crispy Chicken is Better Than Fried Chicken
It’s cold outside, and we’re craving some comfort food. There’s nothing like a warm, hearty meal to satisfy your appetite and lift your spirits on a Winter day. But comfort food doesn’t have to mean unhealthy food.
We believe that you can have the best of both worlds: indulgence and health. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our new oven baked fried chicken
Why the switch-up? Simple: Health, my friend, health! Oven-baking cuts the fat and calories compared to frying, while still keeping things deliciously moist and tender.
According to the USDA, a 3-ounce serving of fried chicken has 12 grams of fat and 205 calories, while the same amount of oven baked fried chicken has only 3 grams of fat and 150 calories. Talk about a guilt-free victory lap!
How Oven Baking Works
But how does oven baking work? A proper Crispy Chicken is an art form, and our kitchen has mastered it. As the song goes, this is how we do it.
Dip chicken thighs in buttermilk. Secret one: thighs and only thighs.
Coat in crispy cornflakes for texture and taste.
Pop them in the oven, placed in a lightly oiled plan. That’s right - these thighs are baked, not fried.
The oven’s heat creates a dry environment that evaporates the moisture from the surface of the chicken, forming a crispy crust.
The crust acts as a barrier that prevents the chicken from losing too much moisture and becoming dry.
Wait 'til golden, then enjoy! The more you know, the more you’ll want to eat. The oven’s hot, put your order in now.
The result is a chicken that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a fraction of the fat and calories of fried chicken.
By oven baking your chicken, you ensure that you get the most out of this nutritious food.
Ready for a surprise? Keep reading to discover what makes our oven baked fried chicken even more special...!
Crispy, Not Greasy: The Health Benefits of Oven Baking
How do we make our oven baked chicken crispy, not greasy? The secret is in the coating and the cooking method. We coat our chicken with a mixture of bread crumbs, herbs, and spices, which adds flavor and crunch to the meat.
Then we bake it in a hot oven, which seals in the moisture and creates a golden crust. The result is a chicken that is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and not dripping with oil.
The benefits
Here are some of the benefits of this method:
The coating is a mixture of bread crumbs, herbs, and spices, which adds flavor and crunch to the chicken.
The cooking technique is to bake the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, creating a uniform and golden crust.
The coating and the cooking technique also reduce the fat and calorie content of the chicken, as compared to frying. Oven baking does not require any additional oil or fat, and the oven’s heat renders some of the fat from the chicken, which drips onto the baking sheet.
Oven baking also preserves the nutrients and protein of the chicken, which are essential for your health and energy.
Chicken also contains important vitamins and minerals, such as niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, and phosphorus, which support your immune system, metabolism, and nervous system.
By choosing oven baking over frying, you can enjoy a crispy, not greasy oven baked crispy chicken that is good for your health and your taste buds. But what else can you do to make your winter meals more nutritious and comforting? Read on to find out.
How to Pair Oven Baked Crispy Chicken with Seasonal Produce
One of the best things about oven baked crispy chicken is that it goes well with almost any side dish, especially those made with seasonal produce. Winter is a great time to enjoy the freshness and flavor of fruits and vegetables that are harvested during this season, and that offer many health benefits as well. Here are some of the ingredients that you can pair with oven baked crispy chicken, and how they can enhance your meal:
Brussels sprouts: These mini cabbages are rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and sulforaphane, which support your blood, immune system, and cell health. They also add a nice crunch and a spicy kick to your plate, especially when roasted with chili and garlic. You can order it here!
Kale: This leafy green is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, as it contains high amounts of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. It helps your blood, bones, eyes, and immune system, and fights inflammation and oxidative stress.
Root vegetables: These underground gems are full of complex carbs, fiber, and beta-carotene, which keep you satisfied, energized, and protected. They also have a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavor of the chicken. You can mash them with butter and cream for a smooth and creamy treat, or roast them with honey, thyme, and salt for a sweet and savory dish. Other sides like sweet potatoes and sheet tray carrots are a perfect match too.
These are just some of the examples of how you can pair oven baked crispy chicken with seasonal produce, and create healthy and comforting meals. Keep reading to discover more than our menu!
