Tortilla Chip-Crusted Oven Fried Chicken

Tortilla Chip-Crusted Oven Fried Chicken

I've seen recipes for years touting oven fired chicken and basically, if KFC didn't sell it, I didn't need it. Until now…

I have tried this using a gluten-free multi-grain chip and with a plain gluten-free corn tortilla chip. (the kind in the brown paper bag from the supermarket).  In my opinion, the plain tortilla chip is best.  I think the multi-grain chip took away from the flavor of the seasoning.

You will need to grind the chips in the food processor to make them fine enough to be "breading".   The recipe calls for 170 grams of chips, but you can just fill the food processor with chips and that will be plenty.  I also add the seasoning to the food processor to completely blend the flavor with the chips.

I use a whole chicken and just have the butcher at my local market cut it into pieces for me.  I know how, but it's much quicker if they do it and they don't charge extra.  Besides, a whole chicken is much cheaper than just buying boneless, skinless chicken breast all the time.

Necessary Tools...

Food processor

Baking Sheet
Large bowl
Medium bowl
Pastry brush

Preparing the chicken..Makes 4 to 6 servings
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees

     1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces)
     1/4 cup olive oil for coating the baking sheet and the chicken
     170 grams gluten-free corn tortilla chips
     1 teaspoon dried marjoram
     1 teaspoon ground cumin
     1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
     salt and pepper to taste

• Fill the food processor with tortilla chips, marjoram, cumin and red pepper flakes
• Grind the chips and spices until "fine".  Transfer to a medium sized bowl
• Brush olive oil onto baking sheet until well coated
• Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and generously coat with remaining olive oil (adding more if needed) and salt and pepper to taste
• One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the chip mixture until all sides are well coated. Place chicken on baking sheet skin side up.
• Place chicken in oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until cooked through.
• Let chicken rest at least 5 minutes before serving.