Discover an unexpected twist on classic fried chicken with this Georgia Peanut Fried Chicken recipe, featuring chicken thighs coated in a unique powdered peanut butter and flour blend!
Experience the Unexpected: Georgia Peanut Fried Chicken
For me, food is more than just sustenance; it’s a source of immense joy and creative expression. There’s a profound satisfaction in exploring new recipes, delving into cookbooks, and orchestrating flavors in the kitchen. The entire process, from planning to preparation, culminating in serving a delicious meal to loved ones, fills me with a unique contentment. And, of course, the enjoyment of savoring those culinary creations is the ultimate reward.
This deep connection to food means I could never be content with a monotonous diet of plain chicken and steamed vegetables. While I appreciate the importance of healthy eating, I believe it shouldn’t come at the cost of flavor or excitement. In an era where “healthy” often translated to “boring,” we’re fortunate that modern culinary approaches have revolutionized how we think about nutritious meals. Gone are the days of bland, repetitive dishes; today, eating well can be a vibrant, diverse, and utterly delicious experience.
This philosophy perfectly aligns with the subject of today’s review: the groundbreaking cookbook, Mad Delicious by Keith Schroeder. Endorsed by Cooking Light, this book defies expectations. Without its prominent “Cooking Light” emblem, one might never suspect its pages are brimming with recipes designed for healthier living. There are no outlandish diet ingredients, no restrictive meal plans—just authentic, flavorful food, re-imagined and refined to be better for you without compromising on taste or satisfaction.
Unlocking Culinary Secrets: A Deep Dive into Mad Delicious
My initial browse through Mad Delicious was an intriguing journey. While some recipes immediately captured my attention, others felt less compelling at first glance. However, the more time I dedicated to reading and understanding the book, the deeper my appreciation grew. The recipes aren’t inherently “crazy,” but many incorporate ingenious twists that elevate them, making them uniquely intriguing and irresistible to try.
What truly sets this cookbook apart is its educational approach. It’s more than just a collection of recipes; it functions as a culinary textbook. Keith Schroeder, the author, doesn’t merely list ingredients and instructions. He takes the reader on a journey of understanding, explaining the why behind each ingredient choice and the rationale for particular cooking techniques. This emphasis on “why” resonated deeply with me. Despite years of cooking experience and countless hours spent in the kitchen weekly, I found myself learning valuable new insights from every chapter. This book empowers home cooks not just to follow recipes, but to truly comprehend the art and science of cooking.
Cookbook Highlights: What You Need to Know
- Visual Feast: Abundant Photography. Each finished dish is beautifully captured, accompanied by numerous step-by-step photos that guide you through the process. The stunning photography, handled by the talented Helene Dujardin and her team, makes every page a visual delight. Complementing these are a variety of fun and informative illustrations.
- Skill Level: Easy to Medium. While many techniques are quite fundamental, the book’s target audience likely includes those new to or hesitant about cooking. For experienced home cooks, most recipes will feel straightforward. However, beginners might find some recipes require multiple steps, elevating the overall perceived difficulty slightly. Rest assured, the detailed explanations make even complex dishes approachable.
- Ingredient Accessibility: Easy to Medium. The majority of ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. Occasionally, you might encounter a less common item, such as PB2 (powdered peanut butter) or Wondra flour, which are featured in this Georgia Peanut Fried Chicken recipe. However, these are generally findable in larger supermarkets or online.
More Tempting Recipes from Mad Delicious:
Beyond the amazing fried chicken, I’m eager to try these:
- Mushroom Tarte Flambee
- Rosemary and Sea Salt Potatoes
- Less Butter Chicken
- Korean-Inspired Pork Chops
- Carnitas de Pollo
You can purchase Mad Delicious on Amazon and embark on your own culinary adventure.
The Genesis of Georgia Peanut Fried Chicken: A Surprising Discovery
Initially, I considered making the fish sticks from the cookbook, but the cost of halibut proved prohibitive. My eyes then landed on this fried chicken recipe, and my curiosity was instantly piqued. Fried chicken in a cookbook endorsed by Cooking Light? And not just any fried chicken, but one utilizing chicken thighs instead of the ubiquitous boneless, skinless chicken breasts often associated with “light” cooking? This was truly revolutionary. The intrigue deepened when I discovered the coating was made from PB2 powdered peanut butter and Wondra flour. PB2 in fried chicken? My mind was blown, and I knew I had to try it.
The most distinctive ingredient in this recipe is undeniably PB2, a powdered peanut butter. While commonly found in smoothies, its application in fried chicken is a novel concept. This recipe delivers a delicious and genuinely different fried chicken experience. The breading is remarkably thin, a departure from the thick, crispy crusts often associated with traditional fried chicken. However, what it might lack in conventional coating thickness, it more than compensates for in its unique and nuanced flavor profile.
The Verdict: A Healthier, Flavorful Fried Chicken Experience
The PB2 introduces a wonderfully distinctive taste. The peanut butter flavor is subtle, not overwhelming, adding an unexpected depth that elevates the chicken without dominating the palate. In fact, when I asked my husband to identify the “secret ingredient,” he was stumped, a testament to its integrated and harmonious contribution to the overall flavor. I was genuinely impressed with this recipe, especially considering it delivers delicious fried chicken at only 355 calories per serving. My only personal addition was a light sprinkle of coarse salt immediately after cooking, which further enhanced the flavors. This recipe is an absolute winner, and I am incredibly excited to continue exploring the culinary treasures within the Mad Delicious cookbook.
Georgia Peanut Fried Chicken
Pin
SaveSaved!
Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter
- 1/2 cup Wondra Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 1/4 cup grapeseed oil for frying
Instructions
- Place a cooling rack over a baking sheet and set aside.
- Rinse the chicken thighs and dry with a paper towel. Set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the PB2, Wondra flour, salt and ground red pepper.
- Heat the grapeseed oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until it starts to ripple. Turn the heat down to medium low, and working with 1 or 2 thighs at a time, dredge them in the PB2 mixture to evenly coat then place in the hot oil. Cook for 4 minutes per side, then transfer to the cooling rack.
- Continue with the remaining chicken. Let the chicken cook for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information
Like what you see here? Make sure you are following Taste and Tell for more great recipes and ideas!!
Facebook ** Pinterest ** Twitter ** Instagram ** Google+
or you can subscribe to my newsletter or Feedly or Bloglovin
Don’t miss a thing! Follow me on Pinterest to see what I’m pinning!
Visit Taste and Tell’s profile on Pinterest.
**Disclaimer: I received a review copy of the Mad Delicious cookbook from the publisher. All opinions and thoughts expressed are entirely my own. This post contains affiliate links. Should you purchase an item via a link to Amazon, Taste and Tell may earn a small commission. Your support helps sustain Taste and Tell, and I genuinely appreciate it!**