Fried chicken is believed to have originated in the southern United States, where it became a staple food of African American communities. The dish is typically made by coating chicken pieces in a seasoned flour mixture and then frying them in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Today, fried chicken is enjoyed all over the world, with many different variations and styles.
Kentucky Fried Chicken, also known as KFC, is the world’s second-largest fast-food chain. The company was founded in 1930 by Harland Sanders, who began selling fried chicken from his roadside restaurant in Kentucky. Today, KFC operates in more than 140 countries and serves millions of customers every day.
In 2019, Americans consumed an estimated 28.5 billion pounds of chicken, making it the most popular meat in the country. Chicken is a versatile and affordable protein source that can be cooked in many different ways, from grilled and roasted to fried and baked.
The average American eats approximately 92 pounds of chicken per year, which works out to be about 1.8 pounds of chicken per week. Chicken is a popular food choice for many people because it is low in fat, high in protein, and can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences.
The first commercial pressure cooker was invented in 1917 and was used to cook fried chicken. This invention revolutionized the way that fried chicken was cooked, as it allowed for faster cooking times and more even heat distribution. Today, pressure cookers are still commonly used in commercial kitchens to make large batches of fried chicken quickly and efficiently.
Fried chicken is a popular food in many countries, including Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. In these countries, fried chicken is often served with a variety of dipping sauces and side dishes, such as rice, kimchi, or pickled vegetables. Some variations of fried chicken, such as Korean-style fried chicken, are known for their crispy, double-fried coating and spicy seasoning.
The world’s largest fried chicken festival is held in Glasgow, Scotland. The festival, called the Glasgow’s Best Fried Chicken Awards, attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to sample some of the best fried chicken dishes from local restaurants and food vendors. The festival also features live music, entertainment, and other food and drink vendors.
The record for the largest serving of fried chicken was set in 2017 in the Philippines, weighing 1,360 pounds. The massive dish was created using more than 5,000 pieces of chicken and took over six hours to cook. The record-breaking fried chicken was then donated to a local charity to help feed the needy.
The secret blend of 11 herbs and spices used in KFC’s original recipe is closely guarded and known only to a few select people. The recipe was created by Harland Sanders in the 1940s and has remained a closely guarded secret ever since. Despite many attempts by competitors and food enthusiasts to crack the code, the recipe has never been fully revealed.
Fried chicken can be served with a variety of side dishes, including mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits. These classic side dishes complement the savory flavors of the chicken and provide a satisfying and filling meal. In some regions, such as the American South, fried chicken is often served with a side of collard greens or other cooked vegetables.
In 2016, the city of Louisville, Kentucky, declared fried chicken its official dish. The city is home to many famous fried chicken restaurants, including KFC, which was founded in Louisville in 1930. The designation of fried chicken as the official dish of Louisville recognizes the city’s deep connection to the history and culture of this iconic food.
The first African American to franchise a fast-food restaurant was Gus Dantzler, who opened a franchise of Kentucky Fried Chicken in Iowa in 1963. Dantzler faced many obstacles and challenges in his efforts to own and operate his own business, but his success paved the way for other African Americans to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
In the 1970s, disco music and fried chicken became unlikely bedfellows when disco legend Colonel Sanders (played by actor John Wayne) appeared in a series of commercials for KFC. The ads featured Sanders dancing to disco music while promoting KFC’s fried chicken, and helped to make the brand a cultural icon of the era.
Fried chicken has also found its way into popular culture through music. Numerous songs have been written about fried chicken, including “Fried Chicken” by Zac Brown Band, “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band, and “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” by Drake, which references his love of Wingstop’s lemon pepper chicken wings.
In 2020, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen launched a new chicken sandwich that quickly became a viral sensation. The sandwich, which features a fried chicken breast served on a brioche bun with pickles and spicy mayonnaise, sparked a social media frenzy and led to long lines and even violence at some Popeyes locations.
The first recorded instance of fried chicken being served at a White House dinner was during President Lincoln’s administration in the mid-1800s. Since then, fried chicken has been a popular menu item at many White House dinners, including President Obama’s first state dinner in 2009, which featured fried chicken and sweet potato dumplings.
Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food for many people, and has been known to provide a sense of nostalgia and emotional comfort. In her book “Fried Chicken: An American Story,” food writer and historian John T. Edge explores the cultural and social significance of fried chicken in American history.
Despite its popularity, fried chicken has also been the subject of controversy and criticism. Some health experts have pointed out the high calorie and fat content of fried chicken, which can contribute to obesity and other health problems. Others have criticized the use of factory-farmed chickens and the environmental impact of large-scale chicken production.
The fried chicken industry is a multi-billion dollar global market, with many fast food chains and independent restaurants competing for customers. In recent years, there has been a trend towards healthier and more sustainable versions of fried chicken, such as oven-baked chicken or chicken cooked using alternative frying methods like air frying.
In 2019, a man in North Carolina was awarded $75,000 in damages after he was mistakenly arrested for stealing a $2.50 piece of fried chicken from a grocery store. The man, who had purchased the chicken and had the receipt to prove it, was accused of theft and held in jail for several days before the charges were dropped.
In the 1960s, the Civil Rights movement used the symbolism of fried chicken to protest segregation and discrimination. Activists organized “freedom food” campaigns in which they would sit at lunch counters and demand to be served fried chicken and other foods that were traditionally associated with African American culture.
Fried chicken has inspired a variety of creative dishes and recipes beyond the traditional southern-style fried chicken. One popular spin-off is Korean fried chicken, which is coated in a crispy batter and glazed with a spicy and sweet sauce. Other variations include Nashville hot chicken, which is known for its fiery seasoning, and Japanese karaage, which is marinated in soy sauce and ginger before being fried.
In 2017, a fast-food chain in Taiwan introduced a new type of fried chicken that was covered in a bright pink seasoning made from salt, pepper, and beetroot powder. The eye-catching dish quickly went viral on social media, with customers flocking to try the unusual and colorful chicken.
Fried chicken has even made its way into the world of high fashion, with designer brands like Balenciaga and KFC collaborating on limited-edition clothing collections. The KFC x Crocs collaboration, which featured a pair of clogs adorned with images of fried chicken, sold out within hours of its release.
In the United States, fried chicken is a popular menu item for both casual and formal occasions. It is often served at picnics, family gatherings, and outdoor barbecues, and is also a popular choice for catering weddings and other special events.
Despite its widespread popularity, fried chicken remains a complex and controversial food. It has been praised for its cultural significance and delicious flavor, but has also been criticized for its high calorie and fat content, environmental impact, and association with unhealthy fast food chains. Regardless of these debates, however, one thing is certain: fried chicken will always be a beloved and iconic food that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world.
5 FAQs About Fried Chicken:
1. Where did fried chicken originate?
The exact origin of fried chicken is debated, but there are strong contenders:
- Scotland: Evidence suggests Scots might have been the first to deep-fry chicken in fat around the 15th century.
- West Africa: West African culinary traditions likely influenced American fried chicken through the slave trade, with techniques involving marinades and spices.
2. What are the key components of classic fried chicken?
Classic fried chicken involves three main components:
- The Chicken: Typically bone-in chicken pieces like thighs, drumsticks, wings, or breasts are used.
- The Coating: This can be a simple flour dredge, a buttermilk marinade followed by flour, or a batter made with eggs and milk. Spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or black pepper are often included in the coating for added flavor.
- The Fat: Traditional options include lard or peanut oil, while modern recipes might use vegetable oil or canola oil.
3. What are some popular variations of fried chicken around the world?
Fried chicken is enjoyed globally with regional variations:
- Korean Fried Chicken: Twice-fried for extra crispness and often coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.
- Japanese Chicken Karaage: Marinated in soy sauce, sake, and ginger, resulting in a juicy and flavorful chicken piece.
- Nashville Hot Chicken: Marinated chicken dredged in a fiery spice blend before frying.
- Jerk Chicken (Caribbean): Marinated in a blend of allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet peppers, and other spices, then grilled or fried.
4. How can I achieve crispy fried chicken at home?
Here are some tips for crispy fried chicken:
- Double Dredging: Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, then dip in buttermilk or egg wash, and finally coat in another layer of seasoned flour. This creates a thicker, crispier crust.
- Use the Right Oil Temperature: Maintain oil between 300-325°F (149-163°C) to ensure even cooking without burning the coating.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry chicken in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature and compromising crispiness.
- Let it Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes. This allows excess oil to drain and keeps the chicken crispy.
5. Is fried chicken healthy?
Fried chicken can be part of a balanced diet, but it’s generally high in calories and fat. Here are some things to consider:
- Moderation is key: Enjoy fried chicken occasionally as a treat.
- Preparation Method: Baking or air-frying can offer healthier alternatives with a similar crispy texture.
- Healthy Sides: Pair fried chicken with healthier side dishes like vegetables, salads, or brown rice to balance the overall nutritional profile.
