Imagine young chefs ranging from 8 to 13 years old, donning their aprons and chef hats, competing on national television for the title of Master Chef Junior. The year 2018 saw some of the most inventive dishes, particularly with chicken recipes that left both judges and audiences astounded. Here, we delve into one of the standout recipes from that season—a crispy, flavorful chicken dish that not only captures the essence of youthful creativity but also provides practical cooking lessons for home cooks of all ages.
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1⁄2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1⁄2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Canola oil for frying
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Steps
Marinate the Chicken
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and coat them evenly with the spice mix.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Set Up Breading Station
- In three separate shallow dishes, place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan in the third.
- Season the breadcrumbs with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Breading the Chicken
- One by one, coat each chicken breast in flour, shake off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, covering all sides.
- Place the breaded chicken on a plate or a wire rack to rest for 10 minutes.
Frying the Chicken
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Ensure there’s enough oil to come about halfway up the chicken.
- Fry the chicken until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
💡 Note: For a healthier alternative, consider oven-baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Presentation
- Slice the chicken breasts diagonally and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Accompaniments
Here are some suggested sides that pair perfectly with this chicken:
| Side Dish | Ingredients | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | - Potatoes - Butter - Milk - Salt |
Boil potatoes, mash with butter and milk, season with salt. |
| Steamed Asparagus | - Asparagus | Steam until tender, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt. |
| Mixed Green Salad | - Mixed Greens - Tomatoes - Cucumber - Vinaigrette |
Toss ingredients together and drizzle with vinaigrette. |
By following this recipe, not only do you get to taste a dish that wowed the judges of Master Chef Junior in 2018, but you also embrace the fun and creativity of cooking, making it an excellent activity for families. Whether you're an experienced chef or a budding culinary enthusiast, this chicken recipe is sure to delight with its crispiness and flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
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Absolutely, chicken thighs can be used. Ensure they are boneless, skinless, and adjust cooking time as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy?
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Avoid stacking the chicken pieces right after frying, and keep them in a warm oven on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
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Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or cornstarch, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for breading.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
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You can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. Cook just before serving to ensure the best texture.
