Healthy Food Recipes: Can You Fry Chicken in Canola Oil?

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes (for resting)

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Canola oil for frying (approximately 2 cups)

Steps to Cook:

1. Prepare the Chicken: a. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick, to ensure even cooking. b. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well. c. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs. d. In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

2. Bread the Chicken: a. Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour, coating both sides. b. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. c. Finally, coat the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.

3. Fry the Chicken: a. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat approximately 2 cups of canola oil over medium-high heat to 350°F. b. Carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. c. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. d. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. e. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

4. Rest and Serve: a. Allow the fried chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. b. Serve the crispy, golden-brown fried chicken immediately, accompanied by your favorite sides or sauces.

Cook’s Note:

• Canola oil is a great choice for frying chicken as it has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures required for frying without burning or producing harmful compounds.
• Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly, preventing the outside from burning before the inside is fully cooked.
• The combination of flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs creates a delicious, crunchy coating on the chicken.
• Be sure to maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for best results. Adjust the heat as needed to keep the oil at the right temperature.
• Allow the fried chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving, as this helps the coating set and the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
• Serve the fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.

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