Unless you are actively tracking your intake of fat and sodium, it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that fried food is unhealthy. However, this is not always the case. In fact, there are plenty of instances in which frying food can be a healthy choice. Deep-fried foods, such as those you might find at a hotel or restaurant, tend to be high in calories and fat due to the oil that they are cooked in. However, with just a few tweaks, you can make deep-fried banquet chicken a healthy meal again. Read on for tips on how you can make your own homemade version of fried chicken from Banquet with minimal fuss and even less fat.
Tips for Making Healthier Fried Chicken
While you can deep-fry just about any food, there are a few tips that can help you make healthier fried chicken. First, don’t forget to remove the skin from the chicken. This will significantly reduce the amount of fat in your final product. Be sure to pat the chicken dry before you fry it, as this will also help reduce fat. Next, be sure to choose a healthy oil for deep-frying. Olive oil or coconut oil can be a great choice depending on your dietary needs. Next, add in some healthy ingredients while the chicken is frying. This can add flavor without fat or calories. Examples of healthy ingredients include herbs, spices, and even vegetables. Alternatively, you can use a low-fat option such as Banquet’s fried chicken.
Use skinless chicken breasts
As we mentioned, one of the best ways to reduce fat in fried chicken is to remove the skin. Banquet fried chicken is made with skinless chicken breasts, so you can go ahead and eat the entire thing without feeling guilty. Skinless chicken breasts are tasty and healthy, making them the perfect choice for a classic dish such as fried chicken. Skinless chicken breasts are low in fat and are a very nutritious choice for most diets. They are also an affordable option, making them a great addition to any meal. Skinless chicken breasts also cook quickly and are easy to pair with other ingredients.
Use a non-frying oil to fry
As we mentioned, one of the best ways to reduce fat in fried chicken is to remove the skin. A good option for this is coconut oil. Coconut oil is known for being high in saturated fat, which means it will create a ton of crispiness in your chicken. While this may sound like a good thing, it’s important to remember that too much saturated fat is not good for you. Coconut oil is a great option if you’re not frying in oil. If you’re only adding a small amount of oil to your chicken, then go ahead and use a non-frying oil to fry it in.
Add healthy ingredients while frying
As we mentioned, one of the best ways to reduce fat in fried chicken is to add healthy ingredients while frying. This is a great way to boost the flavor of your chicken without increasing the fat or calorie content. Herbs and spices are excellent choices since they are very low in calories. Other great additions include vegetables, peppers, and even fruits such as pineapple. Alternatively, you can use a low-fat option such as Banquet’s fried chicken.
Use a lean meat instead of fried chicken
While fried chicken is delicious, it certainly isn’t the healthiest meal. If you want to make a healthier version at home, you can use a lean meat instead of fried chicken. A good choice for this is ground turkey. Ground turkey is lower in fat than ground chicken and is often a healthier alternative to other meats such as ground beef. It can also be used in a variety of different recipes, making it a versatile and healthy choice for any meal.
Conclusion
Fried chicken is delicious and a staple of many people’s diets. However, it can also be high in fat if you’re not careful. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make healthier fried chicken at home. Be sure to remove the skin from the chicken, use a non-frying oil to fry, and add healthy ingredients while frying. Alternatively, you can use a lean meat instead of fried chicken. Whatever you do, just remember that fried chicken doesn’t have to be unhealthy, so long as you’re careful about how it’s prepared.