Spicy Crispy Chicken
Try this Spicy Crispy Chicken recipe.
Try this Spicy Crispy Chicken recipe.
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- for sauce:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- sea salt and black pepper
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup tapioca flour (you can buy it here)
- raw chinese herbs (optional) (i used bai zhu)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce or buffalo wing sauce (these are my favo
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves (i use this one)
- Carbohydrate 1.27717875518642 g
- Cholesterol 114.54 mg
- Fat 23.5004170841037 g
- Fiber 0.285171043092715 g
- Protein 27.3457777267237 g
- Saturated Fat 3.88413018140517 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (174g)
- Sodium 217.140256601554 mg
- Sugar 0.992007712093703 g
- Trans Fat 1.5100670526762 g
- Calories 329 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Convection setting, or 425 regular bake setting.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top of the foil.
- In a pie plate or shallow bowl, mix together the tapioca flour, a generous amount of salt and pepper, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne. Stir until mixed.
- Pour the oil into a second dish.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the oil and flip over until coated, then dip into the flour mixture.
- Place the pieces as they are dredged onto the rack.
- Bake the chicken until it's crispy and cooked through. Mine took 35 minutes on the Convection setting.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce by stirring the ingredients in a small pot and then letting it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and either coat in the sauce or pass the sauce on the side.
- Enjoy!
Spicy Crispy Chicken: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a blur of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present to-do list looming overhead. But that doesn't mean we have to sacrifice flavour or nutrition! This Spicy Crispy Chicken recipe is my go-to for a quick, satisfying, and surprisingly healthy dinner that the whole family will love. It’s crispy, flavorful, and it’s ready in under an hour – a true lifesaver on those hectic evenings. The best part? It's incredibly versatile; you can adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, and serve it with a variety of sides to create a complete meal.
The key to this recipe lies in the double-dipping method. First, the chicken is dipped in oil, then generously coated in a flavorful spice mixture. This creates an incredibly crispy exterior without relying on deep frying. The result is juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly crunchy coating. And let's be honest, who doesn't love crispy chicken? I often use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they remain incredibly moist during baking, but you can certainly substitute breasts if preferred, just be mindful of cooking time and ensure they don't dry out.
Beyond the chicken itself, the homemade sauce adds another layer of deliciousness. The combination of sweet strawberry preserves (yes, really!), spicy hot sauce, and a touch of savory broth creates a unique and addictive flavour profile. The slight sweetness of the preserves balances the heat beautifully. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking, and feel free to experiment with other flavour combinations – maybe some mango chutney or even a touch of honey for a different twist. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability – it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!
This isn’t just a quick weeknight meal; it's also a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare the chicken and sauce components in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When dinner time rolls around, all you have to do is bake the chicken and reheat the sauce – a perfect solution for those days when time is truly of the essence. Serve this over rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or even a simple salad – the possibilities are endless! This spicy crispy chicken is more than just a dinner; it’s a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious, and convenient meals are entirely achievable, even amidst the chaos of everyday life. So ditch the takeout menus and try this recipe. You won't regret it!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy chicken, increase the baking time slightly or broil for the last few minutes.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs in the flour mixture. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder would all be delicious additions.
- If you don't have tapioca flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour or cornstarch.
- Serve with your favorite sides: rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, salad, etc.
- Make it a complete meal by adding a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad. A simple side of rice is always a winner too!
- Leftovers are great for lunch the next day – pack them in a lunchbox for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference. If you're not a fan of spicy food, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
