we don’t eat fast food other than a very occasional ordered-in pizza. this means that david’s cravings for fried chicken are very rarely indulged (or at least i think they are!), which is why he was delighted when i found a recipe which, apparently, tastes very similar to “the real stuff.”

i like this recipe as it doesn’t require any deep-frying, making it a healthy treat which still manages to satisfy those cravings we all get for something naughty. i can’t comment on how authentic the flavour is but in david’s view it is pretty good.

silvana franco's spicy fried chicken

12 large chicken pieces (we used chicken thighs with the skin still on)

4 tablepoons plain flour

3 teaspoons cajun seasoning

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

preheat the oven to 200c.

in a large bowl mix together the flour, cajun seasoning, paprika and salt.toss the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour and arrange on a wire rack in a baking tray. roast for 25-30 minutes until crisp and golden brown.