Maryland's Best Fried Chicken

Maryland's Best Fried Chicken Recipe - Delicious and Satisfying Dish from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Maryland's Best Fried Chicken is a classic Southern 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 comforting meal.

History

Fried chicken has been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries, with each region putting its own spin on the dish. Maryland's Best Fried Chicken is known for its flavorful seasoning and crispy coating, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients

1 cut-up chicken
1 cup of shortening
1.75 cups of flour
0.5 cup of cornmeal
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of pepper
1 tsp of poultry seasoning
1 egg
1 cup of milk
0.5 cup of water

How to prepare

Dip the chicken in flour, then into a mixture of beaten egg and milk.
Next, dip the chicken into a mixture of flour and cornmeal.
Brown the chicken in shortening for approximately 12 minutes at 360°F (182°C) in an electric skillet.
Sprinkle the chicken with a mixture of salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
Add water and onions, cover the skillet, and open the vent.
Reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is tender, approximately 45 minutes at 230°F (110°C) in the electric skillet.
Enjoy the dish.

Variations

Try using different seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Substitute the shortening with vegetable oil for a lighter version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly season the chicken with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning for maximum flavor.

- Browning the chicken in shortening helps to create a crispy exterior.

- Simmering the chicken in water and onions helps to keep it moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Maryland's Best Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits for a classic Southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken in shortening helps to create a crispy exterior.

- Simmering the chicken in water and onions helps to keep it moist and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of cut-up chicken pieces.

- Substitute the cornmeal with breadcrumbs for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken up to the browning step ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to finish cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Maryland's Best Fried Chicken on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Maryland's Best Fried Chicken with a side of macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and sweet tea for a true Southern feast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Maryland's Best Fried Chicken contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Maryland's Best Fried Chicken contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Maryland's Best Fried Chicken contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Maryland's Best Fried Chicken contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Maryland's Best Fried Chicken is a good source of iron, niacin, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Maryland's Best Fried Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that is rich in proteins and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Maryland's Best Fried Chicken is a classic Southern dish that is sure to please your taste buds. With its crispy coating and juicy interior, this recipe is a must-try for any fried chicken lover. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Maryland's Best Fried Chicken. It was a sunny afternoon in the summer of 1965, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in Baltimore. Margaret was known for her incredible cooking skills, and she had promised to teach me how to make her famous fried chicken.

As we gathered the ingredients and prepared the chicken, Margaret began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that this recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her great-grandmother who lived in Maryland in the early 1900s. Margaret's great-grandmother was known for her delicious fried chicken, and her recipe had become a family heirloom.

Margaret shared with me the secret to making Maryland's Best Fried Chicken - a special blend of herbs and spices that gave the chicken its unique flavor. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in buttermilk and seasonings, and then coat it in a crispy seasoned flour mixture before frying it to perfection.

As we cooked together in Margaret's cozy kitchen, I was mesmerized by the sights and smells of the frying chicken. The aroma of the herbs and spices filled the air, and my mouth watered in anticipation of tasting the final product.

After the chicken had finished frying, Margaret placed it on a platter and we sat down to enjoy our meal. The first bite was a revelation - the chicken was moist and tender on the inside, with a crispy, flavorful coating on the outside. It was truly the best fried chicken I had ever tasted.

I knew that I had to learn how to make this recipe for myself, so I asked Margaret to teach me every step of the process. She patiently guided me through the recipe, sharing tips and tricks that had been handed down in her family for generations.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe for Maryland's Best Fried Chicken, making it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time I made the dish, I felt a connection to Margaret and her great-grandmother, as if their spirits were guiding me through the cooking process.

As I shared the recipe with friends and loved ones, they too fell in love with the delicious flavors of Maryland's Best Fried Chicken. They would often ask me for the recipe, and I would gladly pass it on, knowing that it was a gift that had been given to me by Margaret and her family.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Maryland's Best Fried Chicken for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and traditions that this recipe represents. It is more than just a dish - it is a connection to the past, a reminder of the love and care that went into each batch of chicken that was made by Margaret and her ancestors.

As I serve the chicken to my grandchildren, I see the joy and excitement in their eyes as they take their first bite. I know that this recipe will continue to be passed down through the generations, bringing the same sense of warmth and connection that it has brought to me.

And as I watch my grandchildren devour the chicken with smiles on their faces, I am filled with a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that I have done justice to Maryland's Best Fried Chicken - a recipe that will forever hold a special place in my heart.