Cast Iron Pans Cast iron pan owners swear by them for their even dispersal of heat and non stick nature. However, iron is not as happy go lucky as other metals. Initially, the pan must be seasoned with vegetable oil in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for at least an hour. Each time you heat the pan with oil, it will season till it obtains a beautiful dark color. Don't wash off the black patina thinking it is dirty. In fact, never use soap or scour the pan or you will remove the essence of the pan. Dry your iron pan on the stove with medium heat but watch it so it doesn't burn.
One day I was removing the skin from some chicken thighs to add to a soup. I was just about to throw it away when I remembered an article in bon appétit about frying chicken skins, so I gave it a try. Wow... are they sinfully good. I can't believe I've been throwing them away all these years.
Lay down a sheet of parchment paper on a Jelly Roll Pan. Lay your chicken skins flat and as close to each other since they are going to shrink dramatically. Think of those shrinky dinks from your childhood. Lightly salt and pepper and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Cool the skins on paper towels to remove the excess oil. Add some lime and Sriracha sauce, and you have an easy appetizer your family or guests will talk about for a long time.
Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahreheit.
Assemble Pan
Lay one sheet of parchment paper on a jelly roll pan. Lay your skins on the parchment and lightly salt and pepper.
Bake
Bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Cool on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve
Garnish with lime and/or Sriracha sauce or just eat straight out of the oven.
Comments:
Gretchen
10/24/2015
Are you friends with Paula Dean? Seriously...... foodies fall into two categories...... those who like deep fried fat and not. Your photo of your chicken skin masterpiece makes this dish look so appealing. I especially like the look of the lime wedge and the coarse pepper grindings which add to the interest.
