WW-Friendly Oven “Fried” Chicken

 

WW-Friendly Oven “Fried” Chicken: Crispy, Flavorful & Guilt-Free!

Craving the satisfying crunch of fried chicken but trying to stay on track with your health goals? You're going to love this WW-Friendly Oven “Fried” Chicken recipe! It delivers all the crispy, golden-brown goodness of traditional fried chicken—without the deep fryer and excess oil. Best of all, it fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers plan, so you can indulge without the guilt.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Crispy Texture: Thanks to oven baking and smart breading, you still get that crunch.

• Lower in Points: Skipping the fryer saves on SmartPoints.

• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.

• Easy Prep: No complicated steps or special equipment needed.

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Ingredients:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer dark meat)

• 1 cup low-fat buttermilk

• 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)

• ½ cup cornmeal

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Cooking spray

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Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken
   Place chicken in a bowl or resealable bag with the buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge). This not only tenderizes the meat but also helps the coating stick better.

2. Preheat and Prep
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray—this allows air to circulate and keeps the coating crispy.

3. Mix the Breading
   In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Coat the Chicken
   Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.

5. Bake Until Crispy
   Place the coated chicken pieces on the wire rack. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

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Serving Tips:

Pair this oven "fried" chicken with steamed green beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced, delicious meal. It’s also perfect sliced cold over a salad for lunch the next day.

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WW Points (per serving):

Points will vary based on your WW plan and portion sizes, but here's a general breakdown for a single breast piece:

• Blue & Purple Plans: ~4–5 SmartPoints

• Green Plan: ~6–7 SmartPoints

(Check with the WW app for exact tracking with your ingredients.)

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Final Thoughts:

This WW-Friendly Oven “Fried” Chicken proves you don’t have to give up your comfort food favorites to stick to a healthy lifestyle. It’s crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor—all baked to perfection. Whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe is sure to be a regular on your menu rotation.

Give it a try and let the oven do the “frying”—you won’t miss the deep fryer one bit!