Who doesn’t love fried chicken? It’s a classic comfort food that is enjoyed by people all around the world. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this delicious dish? Or perhaps you’re looking for the perfect fried chicken recipe to try out in your own kitchen. In this blog, we will delve into everything there is to know about fried chicken, from its history to its health benefits, and even share some easy and crispy recipes for you to try at home.
The Origin of Fried Chicken Fried
The origins of fried chicken can be traced back to Scottish and West African traditions. Scottish immigrants brought their method of frying chicken in fat to the southern United States, while West Africans seasoned the chicken with spices and herbs. Together, these two traditions created the classic fried chicken recipe that we know and love today.
History of Fried Chicken
Fried chicken has a long and complex history in America. It was a common dish among slaves in the South who often raised their own chickens and would fry them for special occasions. During the Civil War, fried chicken was a staple for both Union and Confederate soldiers, who would often trade recipes with each other.
In the early 20th century, fried chicken became a popular dish in restaurants and diners across the country. Kentucky Fried Chicken, now known as KFC, was founded in the 1930s and quickly became a nationwide chain.
Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
The American South is particularly famous for its love of fried chicken, and many consider it to be the birthplace of this dish as we know it today. Southern fried chicken is typically seasoned with a blend of spices and then coated in flour before being fried until golden brown. It is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and it’s no wonder why it has become a beloved staple in Southern cuisine.
Easy Fried Chicken Recipe
Let’s start with the ingredients. To make the perfect fried chicken, you will need flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, eggs, and chicken. The amount of each ingredient will depend on how many people you feed and how much chicken you cook. The key to making your chicken crispy and delicious is to make sure you have the right balance of seasoning and flour.
To begin, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Then, crack the eggs in a separate bowl and whisk them together. Dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture and then coat them in the seasoned flour. Make sure each piece is evenly coated, and set them aside on a plate.
Next, heat up a large skillet with enough oil to cover the chicken pieces. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This should take about 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil.
Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe
If you prefer your fried chicken to be extra crispy, try this recipe. Instead of marinating the chicken in buttermilk, you’ll be bringing it in a mixture of water, salt, and sugar. This will ensure that the chicken is tender and juicy on the inside while being crispy on the outside.
To make the coating, you’ll need a combination of flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Dip the chicken in the coating mixture and let it rest for a few minutes before frying it. This will help the coating stick to the chicken and create a crispy texture.
Fried Chicken Ingredients
The key to making great fried chicken is using the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: You can use any part of the chicken you prefer, but the most popular cuts for frying are the breast and drumsticks.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is best for making a crispy coating for the chicken.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to make the coating extra crispy.
- Eggs: You’ll need eggs to make an egg wash to help the flour and cornstarch mixture stick to the chicken.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is often used to marinate the chicken before frying, but it’s not essential.
- Spices: You can use any combination of spices you like, but common choices include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Oil: For frying, you’ll need a high smoke points oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.
Fried Chicken Breast
Fried chicken breast is a popular choice for those who want a leaner cut of meat. To make fried chicken breast, start by pounding the chicken breast to an even thickness so that it cooks evenly. Then, follow the same steps for coating and frying as you would with any other chicken cut. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
KFC Fried Chicken Recipe
To make this delicious KFC-style fried chicken, you will need:
- 4 lbs of chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 2 cups of buttermilk
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, salt, thyme, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
- Dip each chicken drumstick into the buttermilk mixture, then coat in the flour mixture. Repeat this process to double-coat each piece of chicken.
- Heat a large skillet with about an inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken drumsticks to the skillet. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will lower the temperature of the oil.
- Fry the chicken drumsticks for about 8-10 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
- Serve and enjoy!
Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Fried chicken drumsticks are the epitome of comfort food. They are the perfect combination of crispy and juicy, making them an absolute delight. The drumstick is the lower part of the chicken leg, which is connected to the thigh. It is a versatile cut of chicken that can be grilled, baked, or fried. However, frying it is the most popular way to enjoy it.
The perfect fried chicken drumstick should have a crispy and crunchy exterior with a juicy and tender interior. To achieve this, you need to use the right combination of seasonings, flour, and oil. One of the most crucial aspects of making fried chicken drumsticks is ensuring that the oil is at the right temperature. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil, resulting in a greasy and soggy exterior.
How to Make Fried Chicken Without Buttermilk
Traditionally, this is made by marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight. But if you don’t have buttermilk or are lactose intolerant, you can still enjoy fried chicken by using other ingredients to marinate the chicken.
You can use a mixture of yogurt and milk or even vinegar and milk instead of buttermilk. Alternatively, you can also use a mixture of beaten eggs and hot sauce to coat the chicken before dredging it in the flour mixture.
Fried chicken without buttermilk has several health benefits. Firstly, it’s a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, tissues, and organs. Chicken is also a good source of niacin and vitamin B6, which are essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Secondly, by using a healthier alternative to buttermilk, you can reduce the number of saturated fats in your fried chicken. Saturated fats are known to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, so reducing your intake of saturated fats can be beneficial for your overall health.
Lastly, by making your own fried chicken, you can control the amount of salt and other seasonings you add to it. This is important because most commercially available fried chicken is high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Fried chicken without buttermilk is a good source of protein, vitamin B6, and niacin. A 3.5-ounce serving of fried chicken without buttermilk contains approximately:
- 240 calories
- 20 grams of protein
- 15 grams of fat
- 10 grams of carbohydrates
- 0 grams of fiber
Of course, these values may vary depending on the ingredients you use and how you prepare the fried chicken.
Health Benefits
You might be surprised to learn that this dish can actually provide some health benefits. For example, chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Protein is also important for maintaining a healthy immune system and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
In addition, chicken is a good source of niacin and vitamin B6, both of which play important roles in maintaining a healthy metabolism. Niacin helps to convert food into energy, while vitamin B6 is involved in the production of red blood cells.
While it’s true that it is higher in calories and fat than some other forms of chicken, it can still be a nutritious part of your diet if consumed in moderation. When cooking this dish at home, try using healthier oils like olive oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil, which is high in unhealthy saturated and trans fats.
Nutritional Values
So, what are the nutritional values of this dish? Here’s a breakdown of the nutrients you can expect to find in a typical serving:
- Protein: This is a great source of protein, with about 30 grams per serving.
- Fat: Depending on the recipe and cooking method, it can be high in fat. One serving of fast-food fried chicken can contain up to 20 grams of fat or more. When making this dish at home, try to use leaner cuts of chicken and healthier cooking methods to reduce the fat content.
- Carbohydrates: It is not a significant source of carbohydrates.
- Vitamins and minerals: This is a good source of niacin and vitamin B6, as mentioned above. It also contains small amounts of other essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is fried chicken unhealthy?
They can be unhealthy if consumed in large amounts or if it’s made with unhealthy ingredients like trans fats or excess salt. However, when made with healthier cooking methods and consumed in moderation, it can be a nutritious part of your diet.
- Can I make fried chicken healthier?
Yes! Try using healthier oils like olive oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil, and use leaner cuts of chicken. You can also experiment with different coatings and spices to add flavor without adding extra calories or fat.
- How often should I eat fried chicken?
As with any food, moderation is key. While this dish can be a healthy part of your diet when consumed in moderation, it’s important not to overdo it. Aim to eat it no more than once a week, and balance it out with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious foods.
Conclusion
This is a beloved dish that has been enjoyed by people around the world for generations. While it’s often considered to be an indulgent treat, there are actually some health benefits to it. This delicious dish is a great source of protein, niacin, and vitamin B6, and can be a nutritious part of your diet when consumed in moderation and made with healthier cooking methods. So, next time you’re craving this dish, don’t feel guilty – just be sure to enjoy it in moderation!