Amish Oven-fried Chicken with Gravy

Oven-fried Chicken with Gravy Recipe - Authentic Amish Cuisine

Region / culture: Amish | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Amish Oven-fried Chicken with Gravy is a classic comfort food recipe that brings the warmth and simplicity of Amish cooking into your kitchen. This dish, known for its crispy exterior and juicy interior, is paired with a creamy gravy that adds a rich flavor. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe is both satisfying and heartwarming, embodying the essence of home-cooked meals.

History

The origins of Amish Oven-fried Chicken trace back to the Amish communities in the United States, where simplicity and resourcefulness in cooking are valued. This recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own touch. It reflects the Amish values of family, community, and simplicity, making it more than just a meal but a tradition that brings people together.

Ingredients

0.33 cup vegetable oil
0.33 cup butter
1 cup flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp pepper
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp dried marjoram
8 or 9 chicken pieces - legs, thighs, breasts

Cream Gravy

0.25 cup pan drippings
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
2.5 cups milk
1 tbsp chopped parsley
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Place oil and butter in a shallow cooking pan (such as a jelly roll pan) and put it in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) to melt.
Remove the pan from the oven.
In a large paper sack or bowl, combine flour and seasonings.
Roll a few pieces of chicken in the oil and butter mixture, then shake them in the sack to cover or roll them in the mixture in the bowl.
Place the chicken in the pan with the remaining oil and butter mixture, skin side down.
Bake for 45 minutes.
Turn the chicken over and bake for an additional 5 – 10 minutes, until the top crust begins to bubble.

Cream Gravy

Blend 0.25 cup of drippings from the pan and flour in a skillet over medium heat.
Gradually stir in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
Stir in parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Variations

For a healthier version, you can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil and substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Adding different herbs and spices can also give the dish a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and the skin is crispy, make sure to preheat your oven and pan with the oil and butter mixture. This helps in achieving a crispy texture on the chicken. Additionally, turning the chicken only once during baking helps retain its juices, resulting in a moist and flavorful meat.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served hot, accompanied by sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the gravy.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, providing a healthier alternative to traditional frying while still achieving a crispy texture on the chicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and butter substitutes. Gluten-free flour can be used for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make Ahead Tips

The chicken can be coated with the flour and seasoning mixture ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake, making meal preparation quicker and more convenient.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chicken on a platter garnished with fresh parsley or thyme. Drizzle the gravy over the chicken just before serving to keep the skin crispy.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine or a cold lager pairs well with the richness of this dish, balancing the flavors and enhancing the dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm throughout to maintain the texture of the chicken.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Amish Oven-fried Chicken with Gravy contains approximately 400-500 calories, making it a hearty meal option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary source being the flour used for coating the chicken and making the gravy. Approximately, a serving of this dish contains about 15-20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the vegetable oil, butter, and the natural fats in the chicken. A serving of Amish Oven-fried Chicken with Gravy contains approximately 20-25 grams of fat, making it a dish best enjoyed in moderation.

Proteins

Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein. A serving of this dish provides about 25-30 grams of protein, making it a fulfilling and nutritious option for a meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, particularly from the chicken, which is rich in B vitamins, especially niacin and vitamin B6, as well as minerals like phosphorus and selenium.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe include gluten (from the flour) and dairy (from the milk and butter). Individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients should consider substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Amish Oven-fried Chicken with Gravy is a comforting and hearty dish. While it is rich in proteins and provides certain vitamins and minerals, it is also high in fats and calories, and contains potential allergens like gluten and dairy.

Summary

Amish Oven-fried Chicken with Gravy is a timeless recipe that combines simplicity with deliciousness. It's a dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal, embodying the essence of Amish cooking traditions. With its crispy skin, juicy meat, and rich gravy, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a quaint little cookbook that I stumbled upon at a yard sale, tucked between old romance novels and dusty picture frames. The cover was worn and faded, but the pages inside were filled with beautiful illustrations and mouth-watering recipes. One in particular caught my eye - Amish Oven-fried Chicken with Gravy.

I had always been intrigued by the Amish way of life, with their simple yet delicious food made from scratch and their strong sense of community. I had never tried making any Amish dishes before, but something about this recipe spoke to me. I could almost taste the crispy, golden chicken and rich, flavorful gravy just by reading the ingredients and instructions.

I brought the cookbook home and immediately set to work gathering the necessary ingredients. The recipe called for chicken pieces, flour, butter, milk, salt, pepper, and a few other basic pantry staples. As I preheated the oven and prepared the chicken, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I was about to embark on a culinary adventure unlike any I had experienced before.

The chicken pieces were coated in a seasoned flour mixture and placed in a hot oven to bake to crispy perfection. As the aroma of roasting chicken filled my kitchen, I could hardly contain my excitement. I imagined the Amish women in their traditional dresses and bonnets, expertly preparing this dish in their farm kitchens as they chatted and laughed with their families.

When the chicken was finally done, I pulled it out of the oven and marveled at its golden-brown crust. It looked even better than I had imagined, and I couldn't wait to dig in. But first, I had to make the gravy.

The gravy was a simple mixture of butter, flour, and milk, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. As I stirred the ingredients together in a saucepan, I thought about all the generations of Amish women who had passed down this recipe through the years. I felt honored to be carrying on their tradition, even if it was just in my own kitchen.

When the gravy was thick and creamy, I poured it over the hot chicken and served it with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a simpler time and place, where good food and good company were all that mattered. The chicken was crispy and flavorful, the gravy rich and comforting. It was a meal that warmed both body and soul.

From that day on, Amish Oven-fried Chicken with Gravy became a staple in my recipe collection. Whenever I made it, I felt a connection to the Amish women who had inspired me with their delicious and wholesome cooking. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all agreed that it was a true masterpiece.

As I look back on that fateful day at the yard sale, I am grateful for the serendipitous discovery of that old cookbook. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of flavors and traditions, and brought me closer to a culture that I had long admired from afar. And for that, I will always be thankful.