Oven Baked Fried Chicken Puttanesca

Oven Baked Fried Chicken Puttanesca

This combination may seem odd but when you think of the herbs in the baked fried chicken, they are very common to Italian cuisine, so this chicken pairs very well with the simple puttanesca tomato sauce. This is a delicious idea that really works and the fact that the chicken is oven baked instead of fried is an added bonus.

Saute over medium heat for only a minute

3 clove minced garlic
3 tbsp olive oil

Add

8 large very ripe, tomatoes ( or one 32 oz can crushed tomatoes)
2 tbsp brown sugar
4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional or to taste)
3 tbsp chopped capers (optional)
1/2 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
2 tbsp chopped basil
2 tbsp chopped oregano
salt and pepper to season 

Simmer together for about 10 - 20 minutes until a thick sauce develops. Add
2/3 cup kalamata olives ( sun dried are excellent too)
1 small red pepper chopped
Cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes and serve over cooked pasta along with the fried chicken pieces. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and fresh grated Parmesan cheese.

Oven Fried Chicken
Combine:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tbsp salt
1/2 tbsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp onion powder
1/2 tbsp garlic powder
1/2 tbsp powered thyme
1/2 tbsp powdered sage
1/2 tbsp dried basil
1/2 tbsp dried oregano
1/2 tbsp dried marjoram
1/2 tbsp dry mustard powder
1/2 tbsp powdered ginger
1/2 tbsp paprika
1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper

Cut and de-bone one whole chicken into parts or use 2 lbs boneless chicken parts of your choice cut into large nuggets or fingers. Dip the chicken pieces in egg wash of 2 eggs beaten together with 2 tbsp water, then dredge thoroughly in the flour and spice mixture to coat the pieces evenly.

Coat the bottom of a cookie sheet or large baking pan with
3 tbsp olive oil

Place the coated chicken pieces in the pan and lightly spray the tops with olive oil from a spray bottle. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes depending on the size of the chicken pieces or until thoroughly cooked at the center. Turn the chicken pieces over once, half way through the cooking time.