Nutty Oven-Fried Chicken

Nutty Oven-Fried Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish with a rich, nutty twist. The combination of pecans, seasoned baking mix, and a touch of sage and poultry seasoning gives this chicken a deliciously crunchy crust. Baked in the oven instead of fried, it’s a lighter version of the classic fried chicken but still full of flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This oven-fried chicken is not only crispy but also packed with a nutty flavor from the chopped pecans, which adds a unique twist to the traditional breading. The savory seasonings of paprika, poultry seasoning, and sage perfectly complement the chicken. It’s an easy and healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken but still delivers the same satisfying crunch and flavor. Plus, it’s a simple recipe that you can prepare in less than 10 minutes, leaving you free to enjoy your meal!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup biscuit/baking mix
• 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up
• 1/3 cup butter, melted

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish lightly.
2. Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, pour the evaporated milk. In another shallow bowl, combine the biscuit mix, chopped pecans, paprika, salt, poultry seasoning, and rubbed sage.
3. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the evaporated milk, ensuring it is well coated, then dredge it generously in the pecan mixture.
4. Arrange the chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the chicken pieces.
5. Bake the chicken: Bake, uncovered, for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the juices run clear.
6. Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Nut Substitution: If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute them with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a different flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking mix to make the recipe gluten-free. You can also use crushed cornflakes as a substitute for the baking mix.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use a whole chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a whole chicken, but it’s best to cut it into pieces (such as legs, thighs, wings, and breasts) to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I make this chicken without pecans?

Yes, you can omit the pecans if you prefer. You can also use breadcrumbs or cornmeal as a substitute to maintain a crunchy coating.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare and coat the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just drizzle with butter and bake when ready to serve.

4. Can I use a different milk instead of evaporated milk?

Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with regular milk or buttermilk. The evaporated milk provides a richer coating, but either will work.

5. Can I fry the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, you can deep fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy if you prefer the traditional fried chicken method.

6. How can I make this chicken extra crispy?

To make the chicken extra crispy, you can add a layer of panko breadcrumbs to the coating mix, or you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

7. Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but the crispy coating will be less flavorful without the skin. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time, as skinless chicken will cook faster.

8. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.

9. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, you can sprinkle some shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan) over the chicken in the last 5 minutes of baking to melt it on top.

10. How do I make sure the coating sticks well?

Make sure the chicken is coated evenly in milk and then pressed firmly into the pecan mixture. This will help the coating stay on during cooking.

Conclusion

Nutty Oven-Fried Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that brings together tender chicken with a crunchy, nutty coating and savory seasonings. The oven-baking method makes it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken without sacrificing flavor. Whether served with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables, this dish is sure to be a family favorite!

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