Description
This Oatmeal-Crusted Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful blend of quick-cooking oats and spices, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a delicious, unique twist on traditional chicken that combines a crunchy, savory crust with juicy, succulent meat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3-1/2 to 4 pounds), cut up
- 1/2 cup milk
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
- Cooking spray (for coating baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix the Coating: In a shallow bowl or a large resealable zip-top bag, combine the quick-cooking oats, paprika, chili powder, salt (if using), garlic powder, ground cumin, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the milk to moisten, then press it into the oat-spice mixture, coating it thoroughly on all sides. This helps form a flavorful crust during baking.
- Arrange and Add Butter: Place the coated chicken pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter or margarine over the top to add richness and promote browning.
- Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 170°F (77°C).
Notes
- The bold combination of chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder gives the oatmeal crust its irresistible, robust flavor.
- For crispier crust, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Using quick-cooking oats ensures the crust adheres well and cooks evenly without becoming too hard.
- Salt is optional because some chili powders contain salt; adjust according to taste and dietary needs.
- Butter adds flavor and helps the crust brown, but you can substitute with a heart-healthy oil if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 478
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 207mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 124mg
