Oven "Fried" Chicken With Paprika & Tarragon

Directions

1. 1
   Lightly coat a baking pan with peanut oil. Trim off excess blobs of fat from the chicken, but leave the skin on. Place chicken in the pan and turn to coat with oil.
2. 2
   Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with paprika and dried tarragon leaves (crush them lightly with fingers as you sprinkle them over the chicken).
3. 3
   Arrange chicken skin-side up on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt (optional, to taste).
4. 4
   Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven, without turning, until completely cooked and skin is crispy, about 40- 45 minutes.
5. 5
   Variation: Mix equal amounts of sweet Hungarian paprika, hot Madras curry powder, freshly ground cumin seed, and chili powder. Sprinkle on both sides of chicken pieces and bake as above. Use a neutral oil. (Because ground cumin tends to lose potency rather quickly, make smaller batches of this blend to keep on hand for quick dinner preparation.)