One of the great cookbooks I received when I was newly married was Betty Crocker’s Dinner for Two Cookbook (love the $2.95 price tag).

A favorite recipe that I still refer to is the Oven-Fried Chicken.  I love fried chicken but I don’t enjoy standing over the stove cooking it.  This recipe has the flavor of a true fried chicken but with the simplicity of baking in the oven.

OVEN-FRIED CHICKEN

1/4 cup shortening or salad oil
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 tablespoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 pounds chicken pieces

• Heat oven to 425 degrees. In oven melt shortening in baking pan.
• Mix flour, salt, paprika, pepper in plastic or paper bag; shake chicken, 2 or 3 pieces at a time in bag until coated.
• Place chicken skin side down in pan.
• Bake uncovered 30 minutes. Turn chicken, bake until tender, 15 to 30 minutes longer.

2 Servings