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Whole-wheat battered fried chicken

17/11/2023

I can guide you in preparing the whole-wheat battered fried chicken, a slightly more rustic and perhaps slightly more nutritious variation of the classic batter. Here are the ingredients and the process to prepare this delicious dish.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs (or other pieces according to preference)
  • 200 g whole-wheat flour
  • 1 egg
  • 250 ml of milk (or a plant-based alternative such as soy or almond milk)
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying (a generous amount of various seeds oil for deep frying)

Preparation

  1. Start by cleaning and drying the chicken pieces well. If you prefer, you can lightly score the meat with a sharp knife to allow better flavor penetration and even cooking.

  2. For the batter, in a large bowl, sift the whole-wheat flour. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then mix well to distribute the spices evenly.

  3. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the egg, starting to beat with a whisk while gradually adding the milk until you achieve a smooth and lump-free batter. The consistency should be fluid enough to adhere to the chicken without dripping too much.

  4. Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they are completely covered. Let them rest in the batter for a few minutes so they absorb some of the flavors.

  5. Meanwhile, heat a generous amount of oil in a deep pan or a fryer, bringing it to a temperature of about 170-180 °C. Use an oil thermometer if available to monitor the temperature.

  6. When the oil is ready, gently lower the chicken pieces into the fryer, taking care not to crowd the container so as not to lower the temperature of the oil too much.

  7. Fry the chicken until it is golden and crispy, typically takes about 7-10 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. Turn it once or twice to ensure even cooking.

  8. Then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

  9. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving. You can check by cutting into the thickest part of the piece and ensuring that the juices run clear and not pink.

  10. Serve hot, perhaps accompanied by a fresh sauce made with Greek yogurt and herbs or with classic ketchup.

Curiosity

Battered chicken is a very common preparation in many international cuisines, especially in America where it is called “fried chicken”. In Italy, the use of whole-wheat flour is not the norm, but this choice can give the dish a more intense flavor and a slightly different texture than usual.