Ep 253. Chef Curtis Stone's Fried Chicken + Rachael's Chicken With Pears & Ginger

In season 16, episode 253 of Rachael Ray, viewers are in for a treat as Chef Curtis Stone pays a visit to the show to share his recipe for fried chicken. Rachael Ray also offers up her own recipe for chicken with pears and ginger, making this episode a double dose of delicious chicken dishes.

First up, Chef Curtis Stone showcases his recipe for fried chicken, which he claims is the ultimate comfort food. He explains the key to getting the perfect crunch on the outside of the chicken is to use a combination of flour and cornmeal for the coating. Additionally, he uses a special seasoning blend that includes paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder to add flavor to the chicken.

To make the dish, Stone starts by brining the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce, which he says helps to tenderize the meat and give it a bit of a kick. He then dredges the chicken in the flour-cornmeal mixture and fries it until golden brown and crispy.

Of course, no fried chicken is complete without a side of biscuits, and Stone delivers with his recipe for cheddar and chive biscuits. He explains that the use of cold butter is key to achieving flaky, buttery biscuits that are the perfect accompaniment to the chicken.

Next up, Rachael Ray shares her recipe for chicken with pears and ginger, which she says is a great dish to make when you're looking for something a bit lighter and healthier than fried chicken. The dish combines chicken breasts with fresh pears and ginger, along with a few other simple ingredients.

To make the dish, Ray starts by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a bit of cinnamon. She then sears the chicken in a pan until browned on both sides, before adding sliced pears, grated ginger, and a bit of honey to the pan. The dish is then finished off in the oven, allowing the chicken and pears to cook through and become tender and juicy.

Throughout the episode, both Rachael Ray and Chef Curtis Stone offer up plenty of cooking tips and tricks, as well as ideas for variations on their recipes. Whether you're a fan of classic comfort food like fried chicken or you're looking for a healthier option, this episode of Rachael Ray is sure to satisfy.