Crispy Southern Chicken

Are there ever days when you want a simple meal, but are stumped for an idea? Today was one of those days. I wanted an easy lunch, that required little prep time, and would cook while I did other things around the house. But more importantly, a little more on the healthy side. So, my decision: lightly fried chicken and roasted garlic-and-paprika potatoes!

It was so simple, and only took about 15 minutes of actual cook time for me. The remainder of the time, the chicken marinated and the potatoes roasted.

One of my favorite ways to create a crispy crunch to both chicken and fish, while keeping the chicken unbelievably moist inside: Zatarain's Crispy Southern Fish Fry. Plus since it requires no additional flour, egg bath, or other type of fat to make the breading adhere, it makes it much healthier! And if you like a little spice, get the spicy version!

Zatarain's Seasoned Fish-Fri: Crispy Southern Style - Available at your local grocer.

Roasted Garlic-and-Paprika Potatoes: (Makes 4 servings)

• Preheat oven to 450.
• Rinse off 5 medium-large red potatoes, leave the peel.
• Chop potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes.
• Place in large pyrex. Drizzle with Olive Oil.
• Generously season potatoes with your favorite garlic seasoning, kosher salt, and paprika. Toss together.
• Add about 1/3 cup water to bottom of pyrex (careful not to "wash" seasoning off of potatoes!). Use best judgement when adding water, a larger pyrex may require a little more water, where-as a smaller pyrex may require a little less. You just want to provide a shallow coating of water to help steam the potatoes as they roast in the oven.
• Place potatoes on the middle rack of the oven.
• Bake for 30 minutes. Using a spatula, mix the potatoes. Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until they are slightly crispy.

Roasted Garlic-and-Paprika Potatoes

Crispy Southern Style Chicken: (Makes 4 servings)

• Now that the potatoes are in the oven, take two large boneless-skinless chicken breasts and trim of any fat. (I purchase my chicken from Harris Teeter, and they are always large enough for hearty servings each!)
• Slice both chicken breasts in half to create 4 smaller chicken breasts.
• Coat chicken with the Zatarain's Seasoned Fish Fry. Set on a plate and let marinate, while the potatoes are baking.
• About ten minutes before the potatoes are ready, heat up a skillet with olive oil on medium to medium-high heat.
• Once the pan is ready, add chicken breasts and saute until golden brown. Flip, and saute the other side.
• Once both sides are golden brown, drizzle with lemon juice and serve!

Crispy Southern Style Chicken.

Serve the Crispy Southern Style Chicken alongside Roasted Garlic-and-Paprika Potatoes, and sweet corn for a delicious yet healthy southern meal!

Enjoy!