Spicy Oven Fried Chicken with Grits & Chorizo Reduction

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Spicy Oven Fried Chicken with Grits & Chorizo ReductionIndulge in the rich flavors of Spicy Oven Fried Chicken with Cheese Grits and Chorizo Reduction, a delicious and hearty dish that combines the comfort of Southern cuisine with a spicy twist. This dish is perfect for those who crave a little heat with their fried chicken but prefer a healthier, oven-baked option. The spicy oven-fried chicken is paired perfectly with creamy cheese grits and topped with a savory chorizo reduction, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Origins and Interesting Facts

This recipe is inspired by the traditional Southern fried chicken, which has been a staple in American cuisine for generations. Southern cuisine is known for its bold flavors and comfort foods, with fried chicken being a quintessential part of the region’s culinary heritage. The addition of cheese grits adds a creamy texture that complements the crispy chicken, while the chorizo reduction introduces a modern twist with a bit of spice and depth. This dish is a celebration of Southern flavors with a contemporary flair.

Ingredients

For the Spicy Oven Fried Chicken

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs (or oven-fried bone-in chicken breasts)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spice level)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray

For the Cheese Grits

  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chorizo Reduction

  • 4 ounces chorizo sausage, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly spray it with olive oil.
  3. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Place the coated chicken on the prepared wire rack.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil to enhance crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 2: Make the Cheese Grits

  1. Cook the Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reducing the heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes or until the grits are tender and creamy.
  2. Add Cheese and Butter: Stir in the cheddar cheese and butter until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 3: Prepare the Chorizo Reduction

  1. Cook the Chorizo: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled chorizo until browned and crispy. Remove the chorizo from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Make the Reduction: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens and reduces by half, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cooked chorizo and keep warm.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  1. Plate the Grits: Spoon a generous portion of cheese grits onto each plate.
  2. Add the Chicken: Place a piece of spicy oven-fried chicken on top of the grits.
  3. Drizzle with Chorizo Reduction: Spoon the chorizo reduction over the chicken and grits, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Tips and Variations

Tips for Perfect Spicy Oven Fried Chicken

  • For Extra Crispiness: Spray the chicken with olive oil before baking to enhance the crispiness.
  • Adjust the Spice Level: Modify the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
  • Use Bone-In Chicken Breasts: For a variation, try oven-fried bone-in chicken breasts instead of thighs.

Variations

  • Southern Oven Fried Chicken: For a classic flavor, omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
  • Oven Fried Chicken with Flour and Breadcrumbs: Use a mixture of flour and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
  • Cheesy Grits with a Twist: Add crumbled bacon or roasted garlic to the cheese grits for added flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 620
  • Protein: 42g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g

Experience the bold and comforting flavors of Spicy Oven Fried Chicken with Cheese Grits and Chorizo Reduction, a dish that promises to delight your taste buds with every bite. This recipe combines the best of Southern cuisine with a spicy twist, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast. Serve it for a family dinner or a special occasion, and watch as it becomes a new favorite. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com and share your cooking adventures with us. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations.

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