This heart-healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken is spicy and easy to make. The ginger is a pleasant surprise for your taste buds.

4 cups wheat-flake or corn-flake cereal, lightly crushed (4 to 5 ounces)

1 clove garlic, crushed, or teaspoon bottled minced garlic (optional)

1 teaspoon ground ginger, or to taste

1 teaspoon paprika

teaspoon salt (optional)

Freshly ground pepper to taste

12 pieces chicken (about 3 pounds), skinned, all visible fat removed

Vegetable oil spray, butter-flavored or original

  Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a baking sheet with vegetable oil spray. Set aside.

  Place cereal in a pie pan or on a piece of foil. Stir in garlic. Set aside.

  Combine ginger, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

  Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle seasonings on both sides of each piece.

  Roll chicken in cereal crumbs to coat. Spray chicken lightly on all sides with vegetable spray. Place on prepared baking sheet.

  Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until chicken is golden-brown and tender. Timing will vary according to the thickness of the chicken pieces.

Cook's Tip on Skinning Poultry:

  You can dramatically reduce the amount of fat and cholesterol in poultry by discarding the skin. Due to its slippery nature, however, poultry skin can be a challenge to remove. Hold the poultry piece on a flat surface (a plastic cutting board is recommended), grasp the skin with a double thickness of paper towels, and pull firmly. Discard the paper towels. use a knife or kitchen scissors to trim any remaining visible fat.