Top 5 Reasons Why You Love Chick-fil-A + Crispy Chicken w/ Zoodle Pesto

Let me be the first to admit that I absolutely love the taste of Chick-fil-A's chicken, especially when dipped in their sauce. I literally had to ask myself why I was so addicted. I mean, I've had fried chicken many times over, but there was something different about this recipe (and the whole experience, really), and I had to find out what it is. So here's my top 5 reasons why you [and I] love Chick-fil-A chicken.

5. Closed on Sunday's

I can't help but respect them for closing down business so that their employees can go and worship our heavenly Father with their families. Not to mention, its a great marketing strategy. Have you seen the lines at Chick-fil-A on a Monday!? It's like everyone is having withdrawals and waiting in line to get their fix!

4. They Use Real Chicken

When I tried it for the first time, I broke the strip in half and noticed that I was eating actually skeletal muscle, instead of the random bits of who knows what, that the other fast food chains offer. Real chicken is always a good sign to me!

3. Friendly Staff

Upon arriving at their establishment, you are greeted with a sea "How may I serve you" and "My pleasure" 's. They bring your food to your table, they don't charge you for extra sauce, and they offer to refill your drink without you even asking. One time, I left a tip, forgetting where I was! When people treat you well, you want to come back. Plain and simple.

2. It taste so yummy

I mean c'mon! This is what really matters right? Without your approving tastebuds jumping up and down in excitement, you wouldn't be returning. This leads me to 1. The number 1 reason why you love Chick-fil-A AND the #1 reason why it taste so yummy....

1. MSG

Yep! You read that right. MSG, also called Monosodium Glutamate. If you don't believe me, you can read it on their website here. It's a form of salt and the #1 flavor enhancer used in our foods today. But here's the kicker: it's made in a lab and it over excites your brain, making you believe that you want more and more, creating that "I've gotta have it" feeling. Unfortunately, its side effects don't stop there. With consumption, MSG has been linked to migraines, muscle weakness, a flushed feeling, and even heart palpitations. Without getting to 'sciency' on you, MSG releases neurotransmitters in the brain, changing the chemistry. And over time, this excessive over-excitation of the brain cells can actually cause brain damage.

But there's good news! 

In this post, below, I have an amazing recipe for Crispy Chicken. You'll get the crunch that you love and the flavor that you crave, all without the MSG or any of the transfat.

Ready?! Let's dig in.....

Crispy Chicken w/ Zoodle Pesto

This chicken will be super crispy, but without the use of any batter. Sounds impossible? Great! We're up for the challenge of wow'ing you! Since we're not using grains for the crunch, it's importan that you get chicken with the skin. Also, this technique will work best with chicken thighs, since it's the most flat of the chicken part family.

Ingredients

Fresh chicken thighs w/ skin

1/4 Cup of olive oil or grapeseed oil

Sea salt

Basil

Thyme

Cinnamon

Pepper

Dash of red pepper flakes (optional-if you like your chicken spicy)

 

Cooking Instructions

 

Grab your chicken thighs. Place the chicken, skin side down. With a knife, gently remove the bones, but be careful to maintain each piece of chicken so that they stay as 1 unit. Then, make shallow cuts in the thicker parts of the meat so that the depth is relatively even across each piece of chicken.

In a large skillet, heat the oil.

While the oil is heating up: In your prep space, turn the chick over, skin side up. Sprinkle the sea salt over the skin side of the chicken.

Once the oil is ready, place the chicken, skin and salted side down, in the skillet. The oil should sizzle when you first place the chicken on the skillet. Let the first side cook for about 7-8 minutes. Try not to lift it to check on the progress. It can ruin the crunchiness of your chicken.

While the first side is cooking, sprinkle the bare side of the chicken with all remaining spices, adding as little or as much as you like.

Flip the chicken and allow it to fully cook. Once done, remove chicken and absorb some of the oil with paper towels.

You're chicken is ready to devour! Enjoy!

Zoodle Pesto

 

Peel zucchini. Using a vegetable spiralizer, create noodle-like strands out of zucchini squash. Saute in olive oil, lightly season with salt and pepper and serve with pesto sauce.

Try it and let me know how it turns out! Tag me in your finishing photos on your favorite social media channels! :-)

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Love you guys!

But God loves you more,

Nefertari Tierra