First Snow (Healthier Oven Fried Chicken)

You know you're originally from California when you see snowflakes and your brain tells you they are ashes from a wildfire. It was only for a nanosecond, but today as I was walking into Whole Foods that very thing happened.  


But no, it was snow.  A pretty dusting on the trees and shrubs and pristine white piles along the roads and rooftops. The forecast is for one more day of the white stuff and then we should be back to Carolina Blue Skies and crisp winter temps.  As long as the golf course dries out soon so Steve can get out and play we should be just dandy.


Will's home for Christmas, which makes things even better.  Tonight we'll decorate the tree (unbelievably fresh) and have a nice dinner at home, hence the trip to Whole Foods for diver sea scallops. I'll blog the resulting recipe tomorrow.  


For today, I'm sharing an incredibly easy and yummy oven friend chicken recipe that you really must try.  It's yet another application for Fage Greek Yogurt, which takes the place of the skin with great results.  I made this one up the other evening, and now it is yours...




Healthier Oven Fried Chicken
(This is for four thighs, you can adjust the proportions as needed for more or less chicken or different parts)


Ingredients

• 4 Organic chicken thighs, bone in, skin off
• 3 oz Fage 0% Fat Plain Greek Yogurt (1/2 a container)
• 2 tsp Helman's Mayonnaise (Best Foods, west of the Rockies)
• 1 Tbs poultry seasoning
• 1 Clove garlic, mashed into paste with the flat side of a knife and a pinch of Kosher salt
• 1 tsp Kosher salt 
• 2 tsp Fresh cracked pepper
• 1 cup Progresso Italian Breadcrumbs (or any other bread crumb of choice - Panko would be great, but I've not tried it yet)
• Pam spray

Method
Heat oven to 350 degrees
Line cooking sheet with foil and spray lightly with Pam spray

• Combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, salt and pepper in a medium sized bowl
• Add chicken and coat completely
• Dredge the yogurt-coated chicken in the breadcrumbs
• Set on baking sheet 
• Spray chicken lightly with Pam

Bake in oven for 30 - 35 minutes
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving


This is great with steamed asparagus and scoop of jasmine rice cooked with chicken broth and a smashed clove of garlic -- toss in some freshly chopped scallions or chives right before you serve the rice.


Enjoy!