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

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Steps to Cook:

1. Prepare the Chicken: a. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. b. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. c. Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour, coating them evenly on both sides.

2. Heat the Olive Oil: a. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. b. Test the oil by placing a small piece of chicken in the pan. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

3. Fry the Chicken: a. Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the hot oil. b. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. c. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Rest and Serve: a. Allow the fried chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. b. Serve the fried chicken warm, with lemon wedges on the side.

Cook’s Note:

• Using olive oil for frying chicken can be a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods that use vegetable or peanut oil. However, it’s important to note that olive oil has a lower smoke point than other oils, so it’s essential to keep the heat at medium-high and not let the oil get too hot.

• If the oil begins to smoke, reduce the heat immediately to prevent the oil from burning and imparting an unpleasant flavor to the chicken.

• To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, it’s best to pound the breasts to an even thickness before coating and frying.

• For a crispier crust, you can double-dip the chicken in the seasoned flour before frying.

• Serve the fried chicken with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.

• Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

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