Quinoa Fried Chicken

Marinade:

• 1 Quart Buttermilk
• 1Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
• 1Tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
• 1teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1Tablespoon Thyme
• 1/4 t Cayenne Pepper
• 3 Tablespoon Hot Sauce
• 1 Whole chicken cut into 8 pieces

Flour Mixture:

• 3 Cups Quinoa Flour
• 3 Tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
• 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 Tablespoon Thyme
• 2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
• Canola Oil or Peanut Oil for frying about 3 inches in a shallow cast iron or flying pan

Combine all 8 ingredients for marinade into a bowl stir to make sure all of the seasonings are combined, add the chicken and marinate for 4 hours to overnight.

Heat pan with oil to medium high heat and heat to 375 degrees (use a deep fry thermometer if you are unsure of heat temperatures).

In a large bowl combine quinoa flour and seasoning lightly whisk to combine. Take one piece of chicken at a time and dredge the pieces in the flour mixture and shake off excess flour.

Place pieces in the hot oil 3-4 at a time (DO NOT CROWD THE PAN) cover the pan with a lid leaving a small gap to allow steam to release. Cook until golden on the outside and chicken if fully cooked (about 20 minutes). Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer to a rack or sheet pan lined with paper towels; repeat to cook the remaining pieces. Serve Hot.

Why Quinoa?
Quinoa is an extremely healthy grain, low in carbohydrates 29.28 grams (compared to All Purpose Flour 95 grams) and very high in protein. Quinoa has tons of other nutritional value including amino acids. It comes in a grain form (like rice), pastas and flour, some specialty markets offer more quinoa products. Here's some information on quinoa... http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=142&tname=foodspice