Potato-flake fried chicken

I LOVE fried chicken, but hate how greasy and nasty I feel afterward. It still doesn't stop me from getting cravings every few months or so and hitting up Popeye's or KFC!

Anyway, this is a recipe I found many years ago on the Weight Watchers message boards. I've also seen the recipe floating around online a few places.

It's very easy, requires less than 5 ingredients (not counting seasonings), and tastes like you're cheating.

A few things though:

I only use boneless skinless chicken thighs. I tried it with breasts once and it didn't taste as good.

If there is a little bit of fat still on the thighs after I buy them, I don't trim it off. I actually think it's important to the recipe. It contributes to the "fried" effect.

I've never used the same seasonings twice. This is a very versatile recipe and can be adjusted for whatever your taste-buds are craving.

Now on to the recipe!

1.5 lb. boneless, skinless thighs
1 packet instant mashed potato flakes (I like to get the flavored ones, like garlic)
"butter" spray (I Can't Believe It's Not Butter)
whatever the hell kind of seasonings you want

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray.

Take a deep dish or plate, empty potato flakes into it, and then dump in whatever seasonings you're craving.

Spray both sides of each chicken thigh with butter spray (maybe 1 or two sprays per side) and then dredge through the flakes.

Put the flaked thighs on the baking sheet. If I have leftover flakes I'll sprinkle them over the thighs. Then spray cooking spray on top of the thighs.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until cooked.

Makes about 4 servings.

Tonight I used Cajun seasoning, rotisserie chicken seasoning, and paprika.