Experience the delight of a southern-style meal with a modern twist. This Oven-Fried Chicken with a Polenta Crust recipe gives you the juicy, tender chicken you crave, with a slightly crispy, cornbread-like exterior that will make your taste buds sing.
The majority of these ingredients should be readily available in your kitchen. However, you may need to visit your local supermarket to purchase instant polenta. It's a type of cornmeal and is the key ingredient that gives the chicken its unique crust. Additionally, using mayonnaise and plain yogurt in the marinade helps to tenderize the chicken and lock in the moisture. If you don't usually stock these, you might want to add them to your shopping list.
Oven-Fried Chicken with a Polenta Crust Ingredients
Vegetable oil spray: Used for greasing the baking sheet and lightly coating the chicken before baking.
Mayonnaise: Adds flavor and acts as a tenderizer.
Plain yogurt: Helps to tenderize the chicken while adding a slight tanginess.
Kosher salt: Used for seasoning the chicken.
Cayenne pepper: Gives the chicken a bit of a kick.
Black pepper: Used for seasoning.
Chicken: The star ingredient of the recipe.
Instant polenta: Creates the unique, crispy crust for the chicken.
All purpose flour: Helps the polenta adhere to the chicken.
One reader, Esta Wilbur says:
This oven-fried chicken with a polenta crust recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turns out crispy and flavorful, and the polenta crust adds a unique twist. It's a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, and the flavors are simply irresistible. A must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and guilt-free meal!
Techniques Required for Oven-Fried Chicken with a Polenta Crust
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Whisk the mayonnaise and yogurt: In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and yogurt with 1 tablespoon of the salt and ½ teaspoon each of the cayenne and black pepper.
Mix the polenta with the flour: In a large resealable plastic bag, mix the polenta with the flour and the remaining ½ teaspoon cayenne.
Coat the chicken with the yogurt mixture: Add the chicken to the yogurt mixture and turn to coat completely.
Coat the chicken with the polenta mixture: Transfer the chicken to the plastic bag, a few pieces at a time; seal and shake to coat.
Arrange the chicken on the baking sheet: Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and spray lightly with vegetable oil.
Bake the chicken: Bake on the lowest rack of the oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden on the bottom.
Turn the chicken: Using tongs, carefully turn each piece of chicken and bake for 5 minutes longer, until the undersides are golden.
Serve the chicken: Blot the chicken with paper towels, transfer to a platter, and serve.
How To Make Oven-Fried Chicken with a Polenta Crust
Cook a tasty, crispy dinner minus the deep frying with this oven-fried chicken. It’s coated with spiced mayo-yogurt mix, then baked to golden perfection.
Serves:
Ingredients
- vegetable oil spray
- ¼cupmayonnaise
- ¼cupplain yogurt
- 2tbspkosher salt
- 1tspcayenne pepper
- ½tspfreshly ground black pepper
- 1chicken
- 1½cupsinstant polenta
- 1cupall purpose flour
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a large non-stick baking sheet with oil.
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In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and yogurt with 1 tablespoon of the salt and ½ teaspoon each of the cayenne and black pepper.
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In a large resealable plastic bag, mix the polenta with the flour and the remaining ½ teaspoon cayenne.
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Add the chicken to the yogurt mixture and turn to coat completely.
-
Transfer the chicken to the plastic bag, a few pieces at a time; seal and shake to coat.
-
Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and spray lightly with vegetable oil.
-
Bake on the lowest rack of the oven for 30 minutes or the chicken is cooked through and golden on the bottom.
-
Using tongs, carefully turn each piece of chicken and bake for 5 minutes longer, until the undersides are golden
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Blot the chicken with paper towels, transfer to a platter and serve.
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Make-Ahead: The chicken can be baked up to 3 hours ahead and served at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1139.43kcal
- Fat: 64.04g
- Saturated Fat: 15.49g
- Trans Fat: 0.34g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 26.10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 18.03g
- Carbohydrates: 71.78g
- Fiber: 3.34g
- Sugar: 1.79g
- Protein: 63.83g
- Cholesterol: 232.62mg
- Sodium: 991.66mg
- Calcium: 60.35mg
- Potassium: 720.80mg
- Iron: 4.87mg
- Vitamin A: 143.05µg
- Vitamin C: 5.22mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Oven-Fried Chicken with a Polenta Crust
When coating the chicken with the polenta and flour mixture, ensure to press firmly so the coating adheres well to the chicken. This will result in a crispier crust once baked. Additionally, spraying the chicken lightly with vegetable oil before baking helps to achieve a golden brown and crunchy exterior. Remember to turn the chicken pieces halfway through the baking process to ensure even browning and cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to allow the flavors to develop, making it quicker to assemble and bake the next day.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of the polenta crust mixture and store it in an airtight container for future use, saving time on preparation for the next recipe.
Organized workspace: Set up a designated workspace with all the ingredients and tools needed to streamline the cooking process and minimize time spent searching for items.
Multi-task: While the chicken is baking, use the time to prepare side dishes or clean up, making the overall cooking process more efficient.
Sharp knives: Ensure your knives are sharp to make cutting and prepping the chicken quicker and safer, saving time and effort in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Oven-Fried Chicken with a Polenta Crust Recipe
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to mayonnaise, while also being lower in fat and higher in protein.
plain yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture to plain yogurt, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a 1:1 substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild, smoky flavor and vibrant color similar to cayenne pepper, without the intense heat.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a milder, less pungent flavor compared to black pepper, while still adding a subtle heat to the dish.
chicken - Substitute with turkey: Turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken, offering a similar texture and flavor when oven-fried with a polenta crust.
instant polenta - Substitute with cornmeal: Cornmeal can be used as a substitute for instant polenta, providing a similar texture and flavor when used as a crust for oven-fried chicken.
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour, making the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Presentation Tips for Oven-Fried Chicken with a Polenta Crust
Elevate the plating: When presenting the oven-fried chicken with a polenta crust, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Incorporate height and dimension: Create a visually stunning plate by adding height and dimension. Consider stacking the chicken pieces on a bed of mashed potatoes or pureed vegetables to add visual interest and elevate the overall presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the oven-fried chicken to take center stage. Use a large, pristine white plate to showcase the golden-brown chicken and create a sense of balance and sophistication.
Garnish with precision: Pay attention to the finer details by garnishing the dish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add depth of flavor and a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Incorporate texture: Add elements of texture to the plate by serving the oven-fried chicken with a side of crispy kale chips or pickled vegetables to provide contrast and a delightful sensory experience for the diners.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, typically consisting of a long handle with a series of wire loops at the end.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking in the oven, often with a non-stick surface or lined with parchment paper.
- Resealable plastic bag: A plastic bag with a sealable closure, used for marinating, coating, or storing food items.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms that are joined, often with a pivot, used for gripping and lifting food items.
- Paper towels: Absorbent disposable towels used for drying or cleaning up spills in the kitchen.
How To Reheat Leftover Oven-Fried Chicken
To reheat leftover oven-fried chicken with a polenta crust, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will help the chicken regain its crispiness without drying it out.
Place the leftover chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even reheating and preventing the bottom from getting soggy.
If you want to add some extra flavor and moisture to the chicken, lightly brush the pieces with a mixture of melted butter and garlic powder. This will help revive the taste and keep the meat juicy.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until it is heated through and the crust is crispy again. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
For an even crispier crust, you can broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken pieces in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the chicken in the microwave. Place the pieces on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. However, note that the crust will not be as crispy as when reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to consume.
Once the chicken is reheated, let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.
Serve the reheated oven-fried chicken with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. Enjoy your crispy, delicious leftover meal!
Interesting Trivia About Oven-Fried Chicken with a Polenta Crust
The recipe for oven-fried chicken with a polenta crust is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. The polenta crust adds a delicious crunch without the need for deep frying. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors and textures of fried chicken while reducing the amount of oil and fat used in the cooking process. It's a perfect dish for those looking for a lighter, yet still satisfying, option. Plus, the use of yogurt and mayonnaise in the coating adds a unique tangy flavor to the chicken. This recipe is a great addition to any cook's repertoire.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This oven-fried chicken with a polenta crust recipe is a cost-effective option for a household. The use of mayonnaise and yogurt as a coating helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful, while the polenta crust adds a satisfying crunch. The ingredients are relatively affordable and readily available, making it a budget-friendly choice. With a rating of 8/10, this recipe offers a delicious and economical way to enjoy a classic comfort food. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an affordable and satisfying meal option.
Is Oven-Fried Chicken with a Polenta Crust Healthy?
The oven-fried chicken with a polenta crust recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. By using a combination of mayonnaise and yogurt as a coating base, the recipe reduces the amount of oil needed for frying. The polenta and flour crust provides a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. Baking the chicken in the oven further reduces the fat content compared to deep-frying.
However, the recipe still contains some elements that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The mayonnaise and yogurt coating, while lower in fat than traditional buttermilk or egg-based coatings, still adds some saturated fat to the dish
- The salt content is quite high, with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt used in the recipe
- The recipe calls for a whole chicken, which includes the skin – a source of saturated fat
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the mayonnaise with a low-fat or olive oil-based mayonnaise to reduce saturated fat
- Use a low-fat or non-fat plain yogurt to further reduce the fat content
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe, or replace some of the salt with other herbs and spices for flavor
- Remove the skin from the chicken before coating and baking to reduce saturated fat
- Use a leaner cut of chicken, such as chicken breast, instead of a whole chicken
- Serve the chicken with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad to add fiber and nutrients to the meal
Editor's Opinion on Oven-Fried Chicken with a Polenta Crust
The combination of mayonnaise and yogurt in the marinade adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the chicken, while the polenta crust provides a satisfying crunch. The use of cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat, and the method of oven-frying results in a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. However, I would suggest reducing the amount of salt in the marinade to avoid overpowering the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a unique twist on a classic favorite and is sure to impress with its flavorful and crispy results.
Enhance Your Oven-Fried Chicken with a Polenta Crust Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Oven-Fried Chicken with a Polenta Crust Recipe:
This recipe offers a unique twist on traditional fried chicken by using a polenta crust, creating a deliciously crispy texture. The combination of mayonnaise and yogurt in the marinade ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful. The use of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, while the kosher salt enhances the overall seasoning. The method of baking rather than frying reduces the amount of oil used, making it a healthier option. Trust in the balance of flavors and the innovative approach to a classic dish.
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