Country fried chicken is a popular southern dish consisting of chicken dredged in flour, eggs, and seasoning then pan-fried until crispy. While its exact origins are debated, country fried chicken grew out of several culinary traditions and has become an iconic American comfort food. Let’s explore the history and evolution of this delicious fried chicken recipe.
The origins of fried chicken
Frying chicken in fat has ancient roots. Ancient Romans and Greeks enjoyed early versions of fried chicken by cooking chicken in oil or butter. Frying was a way to cook meat quickly and add flavor. The Scottish are also credited with early fried chicken recipes dating back to the Middle Ages, when chicken was fried in fat.
In the American South, slaves developed fried chicken dishes drawing from African, Scottish, and Native American culinary techniques. West African cooking used seasoned flour coatings on fried food. Native Americans had traditions of batter-fried meat and fish. Enslaved cooks combined these approaches to create new methods of preparing chicken.
How southern fried chicken developed
Following the Civil War in 1865, fried chicken recipes spread as African Americans moved across the South and African American cookbooks started being published. By the late 1800s, fried chicken was firmly established as a staple of southern cooking. Recipes emphasized crisp skin and juicy, well-seasoned white and dark meat.
The dish gained wider exposure at the advent of fast food. Colonel Harland Sanders opened the first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in 1930, kicking off the rise of fried chicken chains. His secret blend of 11 herbs and spices became famous. Other companies like Church’s Chicken and Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits expanded fried chicken’s popularity and cemented its place in American fast food.
How country fried chicken differs from other fried chicken
Country fried chicken is distinguished from other fried chicken with its use of seasoned flour dredged on the chicken before frying. The chicken is coated in a sequence of flour, egg wash, and more flour. Other versions may skip the egg wash. This creates a thick coating on the chicken that becomes ultra crispy when fried.
Southern fried chicken uses similar seasoning techniques but typically skips the flour dredging for a thinner and crisper crust. Traditional buttermilk fried chicken soaks chicken in buttermilk then coats it in flour and spice mix. The buttermilk helps the coating stick to the chicken. Chicken fried steak uses cubed steak pounded thin, breaded, and fried like country fried chicken.
Key features of country fried chicken
These are some of the core attributes of classic country fried chicken:
- Chicken pieces including breast, thighs, legs, wings
- Seasoned flour mixture
- Egg wash
- Double dredging in flour
- Pan frying in a couple inches of oil or shortening until golden brown
- Crispy, seasoned coating on juicy chicken
Country fried chicken flour mixtures
The flour coating is essential for creating the crunchy crust on country fried chicken. Flour helps the chicken pieces brown and makes the coating stick. Typical seasoned flours include:
- All-purpose flour
- Self-rising flour
- Cornstarch
- Spices like black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
- Salt
- Herbs like thyme, oregano, basil
The flour can be combined with spices and seasoning in advance or added directly to the chicken pieces before dredging. Some cooks use ready-made products like chicken fried steak seasoning. Tailor the blend to preferred flavor and spice level.
Country fried chicken cooking methods
While pan frying is traditional, country fried chicken can also be cooked using:
- Deep frying – Submerging chicken in a few inches of oil in a deep pot or electric deep fryer. Oil is heated to 325-350°F. Allows cooking larger batches.
- Shallow frying – Pan frying using less oil, around 1/4 inch depth, in a skillet. Flips chicken pieces to fry both sides. Good for smaller batches.
- Air frying – Uses convection heat to crisp chicken in a small amount of oil. Reduces fat and calories.
- Oven frying – Chicken is breaded then baked in the oven. Healthier than frying but can dry out chicken.
The double-dredging method ensures maximum crunchiness when oven frying. Pan or deep frying are preferred for the crispiest results.
Serving suggestions
Beyond the chicken, country fried chicken is served alongside various traditional southern sides and condiments including:
- Biscuits or cornbread
- Mashed potatoes or potato wedges
- Collard greens, green beans, or coleslaw
- Gravy or sausage gravy
- Hot sauce like Tabasco
- Honey
The combination of hot, juicy fried chicken and cool, creamy sides balances the spices and textures. Biscuits or cornbread soak up the gravy and chicken juices on the plate.
Healthier country fried chicken recipes
To lighten up this high-fat dish, home cooks have developed healthier versions using modifications like:
- Chicken breast instead of thighs or legs
- Fat-free buttermilk
- Nonalcoholic egg substitute
- Whole wheat flour or panko breadcrumbs
- Low-sodium spice mix
- Cooking spray instead of oil
- Baking instead of frying
While not exactly the same, these options help reduce calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Leaner cuts of chicken prevent excess greasiness.
Famous country fried chicken recipes
Certain restaurants and fast food chains have become synonymous with country fried chicken due to their distinctive recipes and popularity. These include:
- KFC – Their secret original recipe and extra crispy options have made them the most famous country fried chicken worldwide.
- Popeyes – Spicy New Orleans-style chicken with signature deep fried crunchy batter.
- Church’s Chicken – Texas-style chicken marinated in jalapeño pepper juice before breading.
- Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken – Chain started in the 1930s specializing in chicken cooked from scratch.
- Bojangles’ – Beloved regional chain founded in North Carolina dishing up seasoned, hand-breaded fried chicken.
These brands have expanded the popularity of country fried chicken through their distinct recipes and convenient fast food experiences.
Country fried chicken in American culture
Beyond its flavors, country fried chicken has cultural significance in the American South. It remains a staple at gatherings like church picnics, county fairs, family reunions, and backyard barbecues. The communal experience of enjoying crispy, juicy fried chicken has made it a cherished comfort food.
In popular media, country fried chicken often represents southern cooking and hospitality. Appearances in songs, movies, and TV shows reinforce its cultural status. For instance, the Beastie Boys’ song “Country Fried Chicken” celebrates the dish as a southern favorite.
As fried chicken restaurants have spread across America over the decades, country fried chicken flavors and recipes have been widely shared. Its versatility as a fast food or homecooked meal with endless variations contributes to its enduring popularity.
Conclusion
Country fried chicken emerged from the culinary crossroads of African, Scottish, and Native American frying methods invented by enslaved cooks in the 19th century American South. Dredging chicken in spiced flour before pan frying became the signature technique for this quintessential southern dish. While restaurants like KFC and Popeyes eventually popularized country fried chicken worldwide, homemade recipes remain staples across the South for backyard cookouts and potlucks. The universal appeal of piping hot, crispy fried chicken with distinctly seasoned flavor makes country fried chicken an iconic comfort food.