Can You Fry Chicken in Olive Oil?

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Steps to Cook:

1. Prepare the Chicken: a. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. b. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

2. Bread the Chicken: a. Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour, coating them evenly on both sides. b. Shake off any excess flour.

3. Fry the Chicken: a. In a large skillet, heat the 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium-high heat. b. When the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet. c. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. d. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the chicken from burning. e. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

4. Finish and Serve: a. Serve the fried chicken warm, with lemon wedges on the side. b. If desired, you can keep the fried chicken warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.

Cook’s Note:

• Using Olive Oil for Frying: Contrary to popular belief, you can fry chicken in olive oil. Olive oil has a relatively high smoke point, making it suitable for frying at high temperatures. However, it’s important to use high-quality, extra virgin olive oil to ensure the best flavor and avoid burning.

• Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook more evenly and prevents the thinner parts from overcooking while the thicker parts are still undercooked.

• Seasoning the Flour: The seasoned flour coating adds flavor and helps create a crispy, golden-brown crust on the chicken.

• Adjusting the Heat: Keep a close eye on the chicken while frying, and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. If the oil starts to smoke, reduce the heat immediately.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve the fried chicken with lemon wedges, which can be squeezed over the top to add a bright, acidic contrast to the rich, crispy chicken. You can also serve the chicken with your choice of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

• Leftovers: If you have any leftover fried chicken, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to help maintain the crispy texture.

By following these steps and tips, you can successfully fry chicken in olive oil to achieve a delicious, crispy, and healthy result.