Day 135.
My friend LuAnn has this awesome oven-fried chicken recipe that she makes to bring to picnics. I vividly remember standing at a picnic bench shoveling little chicken drumettes and wings in my mouth--and not caring who was watching-- at a first birthday party.
They were so very good.
I was so excited when I finally got the recipe, and was eager to test it out on my own.
It has MSG in it.
I just can't do it. I can't knowingly put MSG in something. Which sucks, because man, those drumsticks were the best.
I tried to create my own version (minus the MSG) over the weekend. They were good, but not as good.
The Ingredients.
--18 thawed drumsticks (or however many will fit nicely into your crockpot)
--1/4 cup butter
--1/4 cup flour (I used Pamela's)
--2 t seasoned salt
--1 T Italian seasoning
--1 t onion powder
-- 1 t paprika
--1/2 t black pepper
The Directions.
--combine all the spices and the flour in a freezer bag or in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken piece well, and plop into your crockpot. I used the shallow dish method, because we were out of freezer bags.
--when all the chicken is in the crock, pour 1/4 cup of melted butter over it.
--cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8-10.
The Verdict.
They needed more salt. I am such a chicken (ha! chicken! so didn't plan that...) when it comes to salting food. I used 2t of seasoned salt, but I probably could have used a whole tablespoon. And maybe some more onion powder.
The pieces of chicken on top and near the sides of the crock got a bit crispy, which was a nice surprise. We've all been munching on the drumsticks for lunch the past few days. I like them better cold, the kids like it heated and chopped up with barbecue sauce.
14 comments:
Hi Stephanie -
Lemon Chicken Lynn here!
I have never bought or used MSG, but was wondering how much the original recipe said to add. Have you ever used, bought or been to a Penzey's Spices store? They have THE BEST spices in the world! Check them out, stores all over or can buy online, well worth it and not much more than grocery store spices (not meaning the 50 cent ones). This recipe looks good, thanks!
Lynn
interesting that u should mention msg today. I just heard that there's no msg in Mrs. Dash's seasonings, and they serve the taste-good-to-the-taste-buds need. worth a try for those of us allergic (headaches) to msg. ah, chicken, where would we be w/out 'em? your crock-fried chicken recipe is another keeper, thanx.
I will definitely be trying this!
Dumb questions time:
1) I know MSG is bad for me, but why?
2) What IS MSG?
3) Is there a substitute?
I second the comment about Penzey's Spices. There is one right near my office and I stop there all the time to get get ready made bbq rubs and other spices for my recipes. Couldn't really speculate on what MSG adds to the equation. What do you think the effect of not using it in your recipe was?
"Monosodium glutamate is a sodium salt of glutamic acid, a non-essential amino acid. It is used as a food additive and is commonly marketed as a "flavour enhancer"."
Although once stereotypically associated with foods in Chinese restaurants; it is now found in many common food items, particularly processed foods. [3] Examples include:
Canned soups.
Pre-prepared stocks often known as stock cubes.
Condiments such as barbecue sauce.
Frozen dinners.
Frozen seafood.
Common snack foods such as flavored potato chips and flavored tortilla chips.
Most fast food.
Instant meals such as the seasoning mixtures for instant noodles.
Courtesy of Wikipedia.
I recall seeing Penzey's had MSG, that's what made me think of Penzeys Spices. I love their celery salt, garlic salt, double vanilla, and their cinnamon is, well, there's no comparison!
Lynn
Wow, I just found your site. I had no idea there were others out there that had the same kind of love for their crockpots that I have for mine! I can't wait to try some of the recipes you have posted.
thanks, Lynn, for posting that wikipedia.
Jared, I don't know----the recipe only called for 1/2 t of Accent, but from what I've read that's what makes KFC chicken so good too...
I have not had Penzey's spices. I don't know if there is one around here; I'm going to check.
Thanks, Michelle! I'm having a lot of fun with this.
xoxo
steph
I will have to try this recipe.
It sounds so good.
I have not used my crockpot in far too long.
I think I'd eat it like your kids :-)
Sounds like a great recipe!
Stephanie, I've been enjoying your blog since a friend sent me the link a while back. I have a request, though. When you post a recipe, like this one, that was originally an oven recipe, can you post the oven time/temp, too? I'm saving the ones that sound like something we'd use, in my recipe program, and I'd like to have both options. :)
I'm just found your blog, and this is the first recipe I've tried. I used your 'revised' measurements, and it was SO VERY GOOD! Husband and children, singing my praises! Thanks for a great recipe, and a great blog!
I made this today, changing the seasonings a little to suit me, but it was great. the meat fell apart; it was so tender and very flavorful
Would the cooking time have to be changed at all if I used boneless, skinless thighs or breasts? What if I'm using a 6qt crockpot?
Also, could you please share LuAnn's original recipe (with MSG)?
Thank you!
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