Hillbilly Fried Chicken

Hillbilly Fried Chicken Recipe - Authentic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

History

Hillbilly Fried Chicken has its roots in Southern cuisine, where it was a popular dish among rural communities. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to make it unique.

Ingredients

1 chicken, cut into pieces
1 cup of flour
1 cup of cornmeal
1 can of beer

How to prepare

Cut the chicken into pieces and dip them in beer.
Put flour and cornmeal into a brown paper bag, adding seasonings to taste.
Put the chicken pieces in the bag one at a time and shake them.
Fry the chicken in lard in a hot cast iron skillet.

Variations

Add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
Use buttermilk instead of beer for a tangier taste.
Try using different cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks, for variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a cast iron skillet for frying the chicken, as it helps to maintain a consistent temperature.

- Let the chicken marinate in beer for a few hours before coating it in flour and cornmeal for extra flavor.

- Fry the chicken in batches to ensure that each piece cooks evenly and becomes crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hillbilly Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits for a classic Southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to fry the chicken in hot lard to achieve a crispy exterior.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through to a safe temperature of 165°F.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable oil instead of lard for frying the chicken.

- If you don't have beer, you can use buttermilk or milk as a marinade.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in beer overnight for extra flavor. You can also coat the chicken in flour and cornmeal ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hillbilly Fried Chicken on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve it in a basket lined with parchment paper for a rustic look.

Pairing Recommendations

Hillbilly Fried Chicken pairs well with a cold glass of sweet tea or a refreshing beer. You can also serve it with a side of pickles or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Hillbilly Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hillbilly Fried Chicken contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this recipe come from the flour and cornmeal used to coat the chicken. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the lard used for frying the chicken. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this recipe comes from the chicken itself. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hillbilly Fried Chicken is a good source of iron, niacin, and selenium. These vitamins and minerals are essential for maintaining good health.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour and cornmeal, as well as potential allergens from the chicken. It may not be suitable for those with gluten or poultry allergies.

Summary

Hillbilly Fried Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that is high in protein and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Hillbilly Fried Chicken is a classic Southern dish that is loved for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. This recipe is perfect for a comforting and delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings for fried chicken. Serve it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits for a complete Southern meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a crisp fall day, the leaves turning shades of red and gold, and a delicious smell wafting through the air. I was visiting my friend Mary Ellen in the hills of Tennessee, where she lived in a cozy little cabin surrounded by trees.

Mary Ellen was a wonderful cook, and she had promised to teach me one of her family's secret recipes - Hillbilly Fried Chicken. I had never heard of it before, but the name alone intrigued me. As we made our way to the kitchen, she began to tell me the story behind the recipe.

She explained that Hillbilly Fried Chicken was a traditional dish passed down through generations in her family. It was a simple recipe, using only a few ingredients but packed with flavor. The key, she said, was in the seasoning and the method of frying.

As we gathered the ingredients - chicken, flour, salt, pepper, and a secret blend of herbs and spices - Mary Ellen shared stories of her grandmother, who had taught her how to make the dish when she was a young girl. She spoke of lazy summer afternoons spent in the kitchen, the sounds of sizzling chicken filling the air, and the laughter of her family gathered around the table.

I watched as Mary Ellen expertly seasoned the chicken pieces, coating them in a mixture of flour and spices. She then heated up a skillet with oil, the scent of hot grease mingling with the fragrant herbs. As she carefully placed the chicken in the pan, the oil sizzled and popped, creating a mouth-watering aroma that made my stomach growl with anticipation.

While the chicken fried to a golden brown, Mary Ellen whipped up a batch of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans, completing the meal. As we sat down to eat, the flavors of the Hillbilly Fried Chicken exploded in my mouth - crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, with a perfect balance of savory and spicy.

I was hooked. From that moment on, Hillbilly Fried Chicken became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from those who tasted it. The recipe brought back memories of that day in Tennessee, stirring feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking the seasonings and frying techniques to suit my taste. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who soon became fans of my Hillbilly Fried Chicken. It became my signature dish, a symbol of my love for cooking and the joy of sharing good food with others.

As I look back on that day with Mary Ellen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of her recipe. It not only taught me how to make delicious fried chicken but also showed me the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

So whenever I make Hillbilly Fried Chicken now, I think of Mary Ellen and her family, of that cozy cabin in the hills of Tennessee, and of the simple joys of good food and good company. And I am grateful for the tradition that has been passed down to me, to be shared and enjoyed for generations to come.