YOGURT-MARINATED FRIED CHICKEN WITH SAFFRON AND PAPRIKA

Yogurt-Marinated Fried Chicken With Saffron and Paprika image

Here is a fried chicken recipe that is the best kind of weeknight cooking, with ingredients found quickly at most local grocery stores, whirled in a food processor and then left overnight to turn into something delicious the next evening. A yogurt marinade helps tenderize the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, infusing them with saffron and paprika, and a quick frying lends the meat a crispy, minty coating. You can marinate the chicken for 3 hours or overnight, but you set the timetable depending on whatever else is going on. This chicken will adapt. Make one night, finish the next. That's living.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon saffron
2 cups plain whole-milk yogurt
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 1/4 cups flour
2 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 tablespoon plus 3/4 teaspoon dried mint
1 tablespoon plus 3/4 teaspoon salt, more for sprinkling
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying
1 cup walnut pieces
1 lemon, cut into wedges

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine saffron with 1 tablespoon water and let soak 10 minutes. Place in food processor with yogurt and garlic and purée until smooth and yellow. Place chicken in glass or ceramic bowl; pour yogurt mixture on top, turn to coat; cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, paprika, mint, salt and pepper. Heat a generous half-inch oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Drop in a bit of bread to test temperature; oil should bubble vigorously. Working in batches to avoid crowding, dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, then fry until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes a side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately, topped with walnuts and lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 700, UnsaturatedFat 41 grams, Carbohydrate 32 grams, Fat 48 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 34 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 165 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams