Crispy and juicy, this authentic Southern Fried Chicken🍗 and Wings recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Learn how to make this delicious classic at home
Authentic Southern Fried Chicken and Wings Recipe
Crispy and juicy, this authentic Southern Fried Chicken🍗 and Wings recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Learn how to make this delicious classic at home with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy a taste of the South!
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| Southern Fried Chicken and Wings Recipe |
About Southern Fried Chicken
Southern Fried Chicken is a dish consisting of chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and then deep-fried to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. This popular dish originated in the Southern United States and is often served with sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits. Southern Fried Chicken is a quintessential comfort food that is enjoyed by many people around the world.
Origin of Southern Fried Chicken
The exact origin of Southern Fried Chicken is unclear, as fried chicken has been a popular dish throughout history in many different cultures. However, it is generally believed that the modern version of Southern Fried Chicken originated in the Southern United States during the 19th century.
The fried chicken was a common dish in the rural South, as chickens were plentiful and easy to raise. The African American community also played a significant role in popularizing Southern Fried Chicken, as they brought their own unique cooking techniques and seasoning blends to the dish.
Southern Fried Chicken eventually became a staple in Southern cuisine and gained widespread popularity across the United States, especially after the development of fast food chains that popularized it as a fast food option. Today, Southern Fried Chicken remains a beloved comfort food that is enjoyed by many people around the world.
How to select chicken for Southern Fried Chicken
When selecting chicken for Southern Fried Chicken, it's important to choose the right type of chicken and cut. Here are some tips:
Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken: Bone-in chicken will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during cooking, while the skin will crisp up nicely and add delicious flavor and texture.
Look for smaller pieces: Smaller pieces of chicken, such as thighs, drumsticks, and wings, are easier to cook evenly and will result in a crispier coating.
Avoid chicken that has been injected with salt water: Some chicken is injected with a solution of salt water to make it plumper and more tender, but this can also make the chicken taste salty and cause the coating to become too salty and soggy.
Check the freshness: Always choose chicken that is fresh and hasn't passed its expiration date. Look for chicken that is pink and firm, with no signs of discoloration or off odors.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you select the best chicken for your Southern Fried Chicken recipe.
Southern Fried Chicken and Wings Recipe
- Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes per batch
- Serves: 4-6 people
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour (depending on the number of batches needed to cook all the chicken pieces)
Ingredients:
- 4-5 lbs of chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, wings, breasts)
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp of paprika
- 1 tbsp of garlic powder
- 1 tbsp of onion powder
- 1 tsp of cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of black pepper
- 2 cups of buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken pieces and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge) to tenderize the meat and help the flour mixture stick.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 2-3 inches deep.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces into the pan. Don't overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the temperature of the oil to drop and the chicken won't cook evenly.
- Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until it's golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside. The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165°F.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain off any excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.
- Enjoy your delicious Southern Fried Chicken and Wings!
Some tips that can help you when making Southern Fried Chicken
Use a cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet is a traditional choice for frying chicken, as it heats evenly and maintains a consistent temperature. However, you can also use a deep fryer or an air fryer if you prefer.
Let the chicken come to room temperature: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and prevent the temperature of the oil from dropping too much when you add the chicken.
Drain the chicken on a wire rack: After frying the chicken, drain it on a wire rack rather than on paper towels. This will help the chicken stay crispy and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Season the chicken generously: Southern Fried Chicken is about the bold, flavorful seasoning. Be sure to season the chicken with plenty of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to give it that classic Southern taste.
Double-dip the chicken: For an extra-crispy coating, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture. After the first coating, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture before frying.
Don't overcrowd the pan: Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet or deep fryer with too much chicken at once, as this can cause the temperature of the oil to drop too much and result in soggy, greasy chicken.
Use a thermometer: To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F.
By following these tips, you can make Southern Fried Chicken that is crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.
Nutritional Value of Southern Fried Chicken
The nutritional value of Southern Fried Chicken can vary depending on the specific recipe and cooking method used. Generally speaking, fried chicken is high in calories, fat, and sodium.
A typical serving size of Southern Fried Chicken (one drumstick or thigh with skin) may contain approximately:
- Calories: 200-250
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
- Sodium: 300-500 milligrams
However, the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific recipe and cooking method used, as well as the type of chicken and the size of the serving.
It's important to keep in mind that Southern Fried Chicken is often considered a "comfort food" and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you are watching your calorie intake, you may want to consider removing the skin before eating the chicken or trying a baked or air-fried version instead.
Interesting Facts and Stories of Southern Fried Chicken
Fried chicken has been a part of Southern cuisine for centuries, and is often considered a staple of Southern comfort food.
The origins of fried chicken are somewhat disputed, but it is believed to have been brought to the Southern United States by Scottish immigrants.
African American cooks and chefs are also credited with developing and popularizing fried chicken in the South, particularly during the era of slavery.
The fried chicken was a popular food item at church gatherings, picnics, and other social events in the South, and was often served alongside other Southern favorites like biscuits, cornbread, and sweet tea.
In the 20th century, fast food chains like Kentucky Fried Chicken (now KFC) helped popularize fried chicken around the world, with a specific focus on the "Southern-style" preparation.
Today, Southern Fried Chicken is enjoyed by people all over the world and is often served at restaurants and food trucks specializing in Southern cuisine.
In 2016, the city of Nashville, Tennessee declared hot chicken (a variation of fried chicken that is coated in a spicy paste) to be its official dish.
Fried chicken has also played a role in popular culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and music videos, and even inspiring its festival (the National Fried Chicken Festival in New Orleans).
Overall, Southern Fried Chicken is a beloved food with a rich history and cultural significance, and it continues to be enjoyed by people around the world.
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