Quaker® Yogurt Oat Treats
◷ 16 min
Main Course
Zesty Oven-Fried Chicken Pairing with Cheesy Grits and Chorizo Sauce
This flavorful dish brings together crispy, tangy chicken with creamy cheesy grits for the perfect comfort meal. Topped with a smoky chorizo sauce, it’s an easy way to impress your family or friends any night of the week.
◷
50 min
Total Time
♜
4
Servings
▥
Medium
Difficulty
Ingredients
4
servings
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Instructions
1
Step 1
Start by mixing the buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re fully coated, and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Set a wire rack over a baking sheet and give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
Step 2
In a separate bowl, combine the bread crumbs, flour, paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and chili powder. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the crumb mixture until well coated. Arrange the chicken on the wire rack and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
3
Step 3
While the chicken bakes, bring the milk, water, salt, and pepper to a boil in a large saucepan. Lower the heat, stir in the grits, and cover the pot. Let them cook gently for about 20 minutes, stirring every now and then so they don’t clump. Once thick and creamy, take the grits off the heat and stir in the Mexican cheese and butter until everything is melted together.
4
Step 4
At the same time, heat a skillet over medium-high and cook the chorizo along with the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño until the meat is browned and the veggies are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the cherry tomatoes, vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of hot sauce. Turn the heat down to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces by about half—this should take around 15 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and cook a bit longer until the sauce is rich and coats the back of a spoon.
5
Step 5
To serve, spoon the cheesy grits into bowls, ladle over the chorizo sauce, and top with the crispy, spicy chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of Cotija cheese for a nice tangy touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish offers a perfect balance of crispy, flavorful chicken with the creamy richness of cheesy grits. The spicy chorizo sauce adds a smoky kick that ties everything together, making each bite exciting and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness and balance the richness of the dish. A cold glass of crisp white wine or a light beer pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven to keep it crispy, and warm the grits and sauce gently on the stove to preserve their texture and flavor.
