Best 2 Oprahs Unfried Chicken Recipes

**Oprah's Unfried Chicken: A Healthier Take on a Classic Dish**

Indulge in the deliciousness of crispy, flavorful chicken without the guilt! Oprah's Unfried Chicken is a collection of recipes that reimagine the classic Southern comfort food in a healthier, guilt-free way. These innovative recipes use simple ingredients and cooking techniques to create chicken dishes that are not only crispy and juicy, but also packed with flavor. From air-fried chicken to baked and pan-fried options, this article offers a variety of recipes to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Get ready to satisfy your cravings for crispy chicken without compromising on your health goals.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

UN-FRIED CHICKEN

Un-Fried Chicken image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories main-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce, such as Louisiana Hot Sauce
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 1/2 cups multi-grain panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 lemon, quartered, plus 1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Steps:

Combine the buttermilk and hot sauce in a shallow bowl. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper and submerge in the buttermilk mixture.
Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, lemon zest, red pepper flakes and a pinch each of salt and black pepper in a shallow dish. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off, and dredge in the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated. Lay the pieces flat on a nonstick baking sheet and refrigerate, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bake the chicken until just cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. Divide the chicken among 4 plates and squeeze the lemon over the chicken.

MAKE-AHEAD CRISPY CHICKEN CUTLETS

Make-Ahead Crispy Chicken Cutlets image

This is hands down the easiest way to always have delicious chicken cutlets at the ready to feed your family at a moment's notice-no messy dredging or frying required!

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories Chicken Egg Mayonnaise Breadcrumbs Mustard Garlic Parmesan Herb Dinner Sunday Stash Bake Kid-Friendly Small Plates

Yield 10-12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 large egg yolks
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tsp. kosher salt
4 lb. skinless, boneless chicken cutlets, pounded 1/4" thick (for smaller pieces, quarter cutlet before pounding)
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 Tbsp. mustard powder, garlic powder, finely grated Parmesan, or dried herbs (optional)

Steps:

Whisk egg yolks, mayonnaise, and salt in a large bowl until smooth. Add chicken and turn several times with tongs until evenly coated.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add panko and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, making sure to get around the edges to incorporate darker breadcrumbs, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly, then stir in mustard powder, if using.
Using tongs, place a cutlet in skillet. Pat surrounding toasted panko onto cutlet with one of your hands, pressing firmly to adhere. Turn and repeat on the other side with more breadcrumbs. Lightly shake off excess breadcrumbs. Transfer to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet (if you are making these ahead and freezing, skip wire rack and place directly on a baking sheet). Repeat with remaining cutlets, spacing evenly apart on baking sheet. Discard any remaining panko. At this point, breaded cutlets can be frozen up to 3 months. Freeze chicken on baking sheets until firm, about 1 hour, then transfer to resealable freezer bags or layer in an airtight container with sheets of parchment between cutlets.
Preheat oven to 450°F and bake cutlets until cooked through and juices run clear when pierced with a knife, 10-12 minutes. If cutlets are frozen, they will take a little longer, 14-16 minutes. You can also bake chicken 1 or 2 at a time in a toaster oven at 450°F. Bake directly on rack, 12-14 minutes.

Tips:

To achieve crispy and golden-brown chicken without frying, use a combination of baking and broiling.
Marinate the chicken in a flavorful mixture of buttermilk, spices, and herbs for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to enhance its taste and tenderness.
Coat the chicken in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture. To add extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in egg wash and then coating it again in the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air circulation and promote even cooking.
Bake the chicken at a high temperature of 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior.
For a healthier version, use whole-wheat bread crumbs and spray the chicken with cooking oil instead of using melted butter.
Serve the unfried chicken with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.

Conclusion:

Oprah's unfried chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. By using a combination of baking and broiling, you can achieve crispy and golden-brown chicken without the added fat and calories of deep-frying. The buttermilk marinade infuses the chicken with flavor and tenderness, while the breadcrumb coating provides a delightful crunch. This versatile recipe can be customized to your taste preferences by adjusting the spices and herbs in the marinade and breadcrumb mixture. Whether you're looking for a healthier weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Oprah's unfried chicken is sure to impress. So next time you crave fried chicken, give this healthier version a try – you won't be disappointed!