Monday's Leftovers: Buttermilk Baked Chicken

January 19, 2009

Ask anyone who knows me: Fried chicken is one of my favorite indulgences in life. Unfortunately, the key word here is "indulgence," meaning I don't allow myself to have it at every whim (e.g., daily).

I could foresee myself enjoying this buttermilk baked chicken on a regular basis. The recipe, which is the perfect use of leftover chicken legs, is texturally similar to fried chicken, sans the grease. To prepare this simple recipe tonight, read more.

From Everyday Food

Buttermilk Baked Chicken

Ingredients

Vegetable oil, for baking sheet
8 slices white bread
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot-pepper sauce
Salt and pepper
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (2 1/2 ounces)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
4 pounds chicken parts (preferably legs, thighs, and wings), rinsed and patted dry

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Generously rub a baking sheet with oil. In a food processor, pulse bread until it turns into coarse crumbs.
In a large bowl, stir together buttermilk, hot-pepper sauce, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, thyme, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
Place chicken in the buttermilk mixture, turning to coat evenly. Working with one piece at a time, remove chicken from liquid, letting excess drip back into bowl; dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat evenly. Place coated chicken pieces on prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between the chicken pieces so that they crisp evenly all the way around.
Bake until chicken is golden brown, about 35 minutes.

Serves 4.

6 Comments

emalove 4 years 17 weeks

It's not that I don't like chicken, it's just not a favorite of mine. I get sick of it really easily, and probably only eat it twice a month or so?? I really don't eat much meat in general anymore...mostly just seafood.

aimeeb 4 years 17 weeks

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm this is amazing. I am such a chicken freak I could eat it every day. Ema you're not a chicken fan? It's all I ever eat. Pork is so bad for you, I rarely eat red meat so I've found a million ways to make amazing chicken dishes. :)

emalove 4 years 18 weeks

I get so bored of chicken...I hardly ever eat it anymore.

chiefdishwasher 4 years 18 weeks

I have an easier one. Use the recipe on the back of Contadina Italian style breadcrumbs. Egg, crumbs and bake. The trick is to be sure and turn the chicken over half way through baking.