🌽melbas New Orleans Shrimp & Corn Grits

Chef Melba Wilson is a culinary force to be reckoned with. With a passion for food that shines through in every dish she creates, Chef Melba has become a household name in the culinary world. Her signature recipes and infectious personality have earned her a dedicated following of food lovers from around the globe.

Melba Wilson’s Famous Oven-‘Fried’ Chicken

One of Chef Melba’s most beloved recipes is her famous oven-‘fried’ chicken. This mouthwatering dish brings together the crispy, flavorful goodness of fried chicken without the guilt. Here’s how to make it:

### Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds of chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil cooking spray

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Add chicken pieces to the bowl, making sure they are completely coated in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
4. In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
6. Coat each chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
7. Place coated chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet. Spray each piece generously with olive oil cooking spray.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Prepare:

Preparing Melba Wilson’s oven-‘fried’ chicken is a breeze. Start by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need, including the chicken pieces and the flavorful buttermilk mixture. It’s important to marinate the chicken for at least an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and a blend of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Take each piece of chicken and coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to press gently to ensure adherence. Place the coated chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet.

For an extra crispy finish, generously spray each chicken piece with olive oil cooking spray. This will give the chicken that fried texture without the added calories and oil.

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy.

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for Melba Wilson’s oven-‘fried’ chicken is relatively short. It should take you about 15 minutes to prepare the buttermilk mixture and coat the chicken pieces in the breadcrumb mixture. Allow for an additional hour for marinating and 35-40 minutes for baking.

Servings:

This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people, depending on the size of the chicken pieces and appetite. Feel free to adjust the quantities accordingly to serve more or fewer guests.

Nutrition Facts:

While indulging in a delicious meal is always a treat, it’s essential to consider the nutritional content of the dish. Here’s the breakdown of the nutrition facts for Melba Wilson’s oven-‘fried’ chicken:

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 43g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 456mg

Tips:

Here are some tips to make Melba Wilson’s oven-‘fried’ chicken recipe even more delicious:

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier chicken, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture.
• For a lighter version, use skinless chicken pieces or remove the skin before coating in the breadcrumb mixture.
• Pair the oven-‘fried’ chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.
• This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to accommodate larger or smaller crowds.

Enjoy this delectable oven-‘fried’ chicken recipe from the one and only Chef Melba Wilson. It’s a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that will leave you wanting more with each bite!