Serious Heat: Green Fried Chicken for St. Patrick's Day

Ingredients

• Canola oil, as needed
• 1 1/2 cups wasabi peas, finely ground in the food processor
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon wasabi powder
• Whole milk, as needed
• 1 egg
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 6 to 8 boneless chicken thighs

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Pour canola oil into a cast-iron pan until it comes halfway up the sides, then set it over medium heat to warm.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the finely ground wasabi peas and panko breadcrumbs. In a second large bowl, whisk the wasabi powder with milk and egg, then season that mixture with salt and pepper.
3. Coat each piece of chicken first in the milk mixture, then press it into the wasabi-panko crumbs. Place the chicken in the hot oil and fry, turning it frequently, until the outside is golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Watch it closely, because the wasabi-panko coating can scorch fast.
4. When the chicken is browned, move it to a baking sheet. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F, about 5 to 7 minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of salt, then let the chicken drain on a paper-towel lined plate before serving.