Golden Fried Chicken

North American Fried Chicken Recipe

Region / culture: North America, USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Golden Fried Chicken is a classic comfort food dish that is loved by many for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. This recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious and indulgent meal.

History

Fried chicken has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The exact origins of fried chicken are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Scotland or West Africa before being brought to the United States by African slaves. The dish became popular in the American South and has since become a staple in American cuisine.

Ingredients

1 kg chicken pieces
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour, reserving 1 cup for gravy
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
0.5 tsp celery salt or ground oregano
1 tsp iodized or rock salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
vegetable oil, for frying
2 cups melted butter, reserving 1 cup for the chicken
1 cup water or chicken broth
1 chicken broth cube, optional
1 tsp dark or light soy sauce, optional

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine chicken and buttermilk. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, baking powder, salt, and pepper for the chicken coating.
For the gravy, in a saucepan, combine water or chicken broth, flour, one chicken broth cube, soy sauce, and butter. Stir while hot.
In a fresh, deep pot, heat oil. Deep-fry the chicken until golden brown, approximately 10 minutes.
Drain the chicken on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Dip it into the remaining melted butter and let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes.
Serve the chicken hot and plain with rice and gravy, or alongside other main dishes.

Variations

Spicy Fried Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight for extra tenderness.
Oven-Fried Chicken: Bake the chicken in the oven for a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure that it stays moist and tender.

- Use a deep pot and enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces for even frying.

- Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy.

- Serve the fried chicken hot and fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Golden Fried Chicken can be served with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or biscuits.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying: Submerge the chicken pieces in hot oil for a crispy exterior.

- Marinating: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor.

- Dredging: Coat the chicken in seasoned flour before frying to create a crispy crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Buttermilk: You can use regular milk or yogurt as a substitute for buttermilk.

- Chicken broth: You can use water or vegetable broth as a substitute for chicken broth.

- Soy sauce: You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk and prepare the flour mixture in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Golden Fried Chicken on a platter with a side of gravy and garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Golden Fried Chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or biscuits. It also goes well with a side of macaroni and cheese or green beans.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Golden Fried Chicken contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Golden Fried Chicken contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Golden Fried Chicken contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Golden Fried Chicken contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Golden Fried Chicken is a good source of iron, niacin, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (buttermilk) and wheat (flour). It may also contain soy (soy sauce) and eggs.

Summary

Golden Fried Chicken is a high-protein dish that is rich in fats and carbohydrates. It is a satisfying and indulgent meal that should be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Golden Fried Chicken is a classic comfort food dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious and indulgent meal. With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this flavorful dish with your favorite sides for a truly satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her quaint little cottage by the seaside. Margaret was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On that particular day, Margaret had a twinkle in her eye as she pulled out an old, tattered recipe book from her kitchen cupboard. "I have something special to show you," she said, her voice filled with excitement. I eagerly leaned in as she opened the book to a page that was stained and worn from years of use. The title at the top read "Golden Fried Chicken."

Margaret explained to me that this recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, each woman adding their own special touch to make it their own. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother, and so on. The secret, she said, was in the mixture of spices and the method of frying that had been perfected over the years.

As Margaret read through the ingredients and instructions, I could practically smell the delicious aroma of the chicken sizzling in the pan. My mouth watered in anticipation as she described the crispy, golden crust that would form on the outside, while the meat remained juicy and tender on the inside. I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Margaret graciously agreed to teach me the recipe, and we spent the rest of the day in her cozy kitchen, chopping, marinating, and frying the chicken to perfection. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the golden fried chicken, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before – a perfect balance of savory and spicy, with just the right amount of crunch.

From that day on, I was hooked. I made the golden fried chicken for my family, friends, and anyone else who would listen to me rave about it. Each time I cooked it, I added my own little twist, experimenting with different spices and cooking techniques to make it truly my own. And with each bite, I felt a sense of pride and connection to the long line of women who had passed down this recipe through the generations.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with countless others, always passing on the tradition of making golden fried chicken with love and care. It has become a staple in my own family, a dish that we gather around the table to enjoy on special occasions and lazy Sundays alike. And every time I take that first bite, I am transported back to that fateful day in Margaret's kitchen, where I discovered the magic of golden fried chicken for the first time.

As I sit here now, looking through my own tattered recipe book, I can't help but smile at the memories that this dish holds. It is more than just a recipe – it is a symbol of love, family, and tradition. And as long as I am able, I will continue to make golden fried chicken for those I hold dear, passing on the legacy of this delicious dish for generations to come.