Healthy Food Recipes: Can You Use Olive Oil for Fried Chicken?

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Additional Time

10 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Servings

4

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps to Cook

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides.
3. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
4. When the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches.
5. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the chicken from burning.
6. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces, adding more oil and butter to the pan as needed.
8. Once all the chicken is fried, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Cook’s Note

• Using olive oil for frying chicken is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods that use vegetable or peanut oil. Olive oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying at high temperatures.
• Be sure to use extra virgin olive oil, as it has a more pronounced flavor and health benefits compared to refined olive oil.
• The addition of butter in this recipe helps to create a crispy, golden-brown crust on the chicken without compromising the health benefits of using olive oil.
• Adjust the seasoning to your personal taste preferences. You can add more or less of the spices, or try different spice blends to change up the flavor profile.
• Serve the fried chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
• For a lighter option, you can bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, instead of frying.

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