Super Bowl recipe: Lower fat Buffalo chicken

Share |
Super Bowl recipe: Lower fat Buffalo chicken
Font Size:
Default font size
Larger font size
Food Healthy Now Eat This Popcorn Chicken
buy this photo

Related Stories

The big game on Super Bowl Sunday usually brings with it big eats.

We consume millions of pounds of potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, popcorn and nuts. And don't even get me started on the guacamole, chicken wings, baby back ribs, pizza, dips, chili and subs.

But a few smart choices can have you enjoying Super Bowl-style snacks without doing much damage to your New Year's resolutions.

My Buffalo popcorn chicken is a good example. It puts a delicious, low-calorie spin on a game-day favorite — chicken wings. Typical wings rack up 549 calories and 30 grams of fat per serving (you'd have to do the wave about 2,000 times to burn those off). My version has just 264 calories and 14 grams of fat per serving.

To reduce fat and calories, I use my flash-frying method, which is easy to master.

First, I microwave boneless, skinless chicken thighs until cooked through. Microwaving the chicken first means it doesn't need to sit in the oil for nearly as long. Next, I dunk them in egg white, then dredge them through a blend of whole-wheat flour and cornmeal. After that, the frying takes just 12 seconds. Traditional methods call for 10 to 15 minutes.

Nothing goes better with wings — or in this case, thighs — than beer. But drink a few brews and you'll have to climb the stadium steps for an hour to burn them off. Instead, consider serving low-calorie beers at your party. There are some great ones out there.

As for the rest of your Super Bowl offerings, don't be afraid to serve vegetables and fruit with low-fat and low-sodium dips, and other creative low-cal foods. With some thoughtful planning and delicious dishes, you'll be sure to score with food and football fans alike.

Rocco DiSpirito is author of the "Now Eat This!" and "Now Eat This! Diet" cookbooks.

Copyright 2012 stltoday.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Print Email

Sponsored Links

most popular



St. Louis Coupons: Get fantastic deals — up to 80% off — sent to your e-mail. Sign up today!
River City Rascals - Only $15 for 2 Box Seats and a mini-bat to a River City Rascals 2012 Home Game! (A $29 value!)