Cybele Pascal

“Buttermilk” Oven-Fried Chicken

Serves 4 to 6

Free of: Gluten and all top allergens.

Oven-baked chicken is much lower in fat, but the skin never fully crisps like deep-fried chicken. The solution: remove the skin – cutting fat even further. This allows the chicken to better absorb the marinade, for the breading to adhere to the surface, and it creates a much better texture when served at room temperature or cold.

1 cup (250 mL) plain rice milk

1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, minced or crushed

1/2 tsp + big pinch salt, divided

freshly ground pepper

3 tbsp olive oil

3 pounds (1.5 kg) chicken parts – drumsticks, thighs and bone-in split breasts (cut in half crosswise), skin removed.

3 cups (710 mL) gluten-free corn flakes (such as Erewhon brand) or 1 cup gluten-free bread crumbs (I use Ener-G)

1/2 cup (120 mL) dairy-free, soy-free mozzarella cheese alternative (I use Daiya)

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 cup (60 mL) dairy-free, soy-free buttery spread (I use Earth Balance), melted

1. In a large shallow dish whisk together rice milk, lemon juice, garlic, 1/2 tsp salt and a few turns of freshly ground pepper. Drizzle in oil, a little at a time, while whisking to combine.

2. Add chicken to rice milk mixture. Turn to coat. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

3. Grind cornflakes into a fine crumb in a blender or food processor. Transfer crumbs to a wide shallow bowl.

4. Pulse cheese alternative in a blender or food processor until it’s the texture of grated Parmesan. Add the grated cheese alternative to the crumbs, as well as cayenne, big pinch of salt and a few turns of ground pepper. Toss to combine.

5. Arrange a rack on top of a large baking pan. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, turn in crumb mixture to coat and place on rack. Repeat with all chicken pieces. Let chicken dry on rack for 15 minutes.

6. Preheat oven to 425° F. Arrange the chicken on a lightly greased baking pan. Drizzle with buttery spread. Bake 40-45 minutes or until golden and crispy. Serve hot or at room temperature.

“Buttermilk” Oven-Fried Chicken © 2013 by Cybele Pascal

This recipe first appeared in the Summer 2013 issue of Allergic Living Magazine