Cornmeal-Crusted Oven Fried Chicken

By robotiger

Cornmeal isn't just for muffins. Use it to make a satisfying oven-fried chicken that will look and taste as good as the deep-fried version. Soaking the chicken breasts in buttermilk serves three functions: it tenderizes the meat, adds flavor, and help the cornmeal and spices to adhere. Any mix of your favorite spices would work well for the cornmeal coating

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups lowfat buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Gather these tools: cutting board; chef's knife; wet and dry measuring cups; measuring spoons; pastry brush; resealable plastic bag; shallow baking dish; sheet pan

Combine chicken and buttermilk in a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. (The chicken can sit in the buttermilk for up to 8 hours, if you'd like.)

Preheat oven to 400 F. Brush a sheet pan with vegetable oil and set aside.

In a shallow baking dish, mix the cornmeal, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Shake well to combine. Remove one piece of chicken from the buttermilk and shake off any excess liquid. Put the chicken in the dish one piece at a time and shake well to coat. Place the coated chicken pieces on the oil sheet pan as you work.

Brush the chicken with the remaining oil, and bake for 20 minutes. Serve Immediately