At DelightedCooking, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What is Southern Fried Chicken?
Southern fried chicken is famous all over the world. The process of deep-frying, pan-frying or pressure frying pieces of breaded chicken keeps the meat moist and tender while creating a crispy crust. It can be enjoyed hot with mashed potatoes and gravy or as a cold picnic dish.
Though we think of fried chicken as Southern cuisine, deep-frying was a common form of food preparation in many ancient cultures. China, Egypt, India and Rome made various chicken dishes with this form of cooking. During medieval times, the regions of Italy and Scotland enjoyed a form of fritter. Fried chicken has been enjoyed by cultures of every continent.
Southern fried chicken holds an important position in the history of the United States (U.S.). During the colonization, many Scottish families settled in the South, bringing their fried chicken recipes and preparation methods with them. Then when the African people were brought over as slaves, they introduced new seasonings and spices that created an enriched flavor that quickly became a favorite of all.
Slaves were permitted to raise chickens and it became their main source of protein. Southern fried chicken also travels without refrigeration much better than other meats and served African Americans well during the segregation years when they were not permitted in restaurants. Eventually, the dish became a tradition for “Sunday dinner” and other celebratory holidays for people of all races and creeds.
Southern fried chicken first appeared in Mary Randolph’s 1828 printing of her “Virginia House-wife”. The recipe was a simple one of cutting up a fresh chicken, dredging it with flour, sprinkling with salt and frying until golden in a skillet of hot oil. By the early 1900’s, it began appearing in northern U.S. and European cookbooks.
Over the years, many variations on coatings have been offered. For example, after dredging in flour, dip the chicken in an egg yolk, paprika and red hot pepper sauce; then roll it in breadcrumbs before frying. Others prefer dipping the chicken in buttermilk before flouring. Another option is to soak the chicken in milk and lemon juice overnight. Another popular preference is to inject the chicken with a spicy concoction before frying.
The cooking oil is an important ingredient for taste and health concerns. The traditional southern fried chicken was cooked in lard or a combination of vegetable oil, butter and bacon grease. In the 21st Century, people are more health conscious and prefer a lighter cold pressed vegetable oil that is low in saturated fat. Safflower oil is one of the healthiest oils for this dish.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![A frying pan, which can be used to make Southern fried chicken.]()
By: LusoimagesA frying pan, which can be used to make Southern fried chicken. -
![Safflower oil is low in saturated fat.]()
By: chungkingSafflower oil is low in saturated fat. -
![Breadcrumbs may be used as a coating for southern fried chicken.]()
By: VidadyBreadcrumbs may be used as a coating for southern fried chicken. -
![Chicken is cut up before being dredged in flour and fried.]()
By: BillChicken is cut up before being dredged in flour and fried. -
![Southern fried chicken may be served with gravy.]()
By: Stephanie FreySouthern fried chicken may be served with gravy. -
![Frying chicken keeps it moist and creates a crispy outer shell on the chicken.]()
By: harikanFrying chicken keeps it moist and creates a crispy outer shell on the chicken.
Discussion Comments
Family came from all over the world and my grandfather was born in 1872 and talked about his grandmother frying chicken and making biscuits and gravy. Her family was English-Irish. The other side talked about mashed potatoes along with this and they were from Ireland. Guess it came a lot from Europe. We always had milk gravy at grandparents with biscuits just about every meal.
One reason fried foods became a Southern staple was the communal aspect of a deep frying pot. Several poor families could bring whatever food they had on hand and take turns cooking it in a large pot of hot lard or other cooking fat. No single family had to bear the expense or trouble of maintaining their own deep frying pots. Potatoes were usually plentiful, and chicken gravy could be made from inexpensive flour, water and pepper if necessary.
Interesting that frying chicken is the traditional Scots way of preparing it. I read this earlier today in another source. Of course, I knew that the Scots and Scots-Irish settled the south. My own southern family roots are Scots and Scots-Irish. Not surprised that African-American culture perfected this art, as many of our southern food ways came from African-Americans.
I do wonder how mashed potatoes and gravy became the traditional accompaniments. My grandmother cooked fried chicken often for Sunday dinner. The sides were usually fresh vegetables form her garden or those she preserved, and cornbread or homemade rolls, which she made most Sundays. I wonder if the mashed potatoes and gravy thing started with KFC.
Post your comments