"Fried" Chicken

Ingredients

• 1  3 1/2-to 4-pound chicken, cut up
• 1 1/2  cups  buttermilk
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 3  tablespoons  gin (optional)
• 3/4  cup  dry bread crumbs
• 1/4  cup  grated Parmesan
• 2  teaspoons  salt
• 1  teaspoon  grated lemon zest
• 1/2  teaspoon  dried thyme leaves

Directions

1. Remove and discard the skin from the chicken. Combine the chicken, buttermilk, garlic, and gin in a large resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Heat oven to 400° F. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with vegetable cooking spray.
3. On a sheet of wax paper, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, salt, lemon zest, and thyme. Roll the chicken pieces in the coating and place on the baking sheet, bone-side down.
4. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through, or until crispy and the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork.