It’s Fried Chicken Day–With A Healthy Variation!

fried chicken recipe day july 6

Not surprisingly, American fried chicken is a southern “thang” with roots in the Deep South. However, before that, Europeans were eating fried chicken in the Middle Ages. Back then, looking for a way to make food more portable, cooks discovered that by covering meat in flour and spices before cooking, it helped seal in the flavor and made it more convenient.  [photo via flickr]

It doesn’t get more southern or American than this finger-lickin’ food. Fried chicken takes center-stage at many summer barbeques and picnics, so tuck in that napkin (grab a few extra) and keep reading for two great recipes to make fried chicken at home–the old-fashioned way, and a healthier alternative…

Ingredients
  • 1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
Directions
  1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Roll in flour.
  2. Add 1/2 to 3/4 inch oil to a large, heavy skillet.
  3. Heat to approximately 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
  4. Place chicken pieces in hot oil.
  5. Cover, and fry until golden, turning once, 15 to 20 minutes.

Drain on paper towels.

This recipe makes 6 servings.

And now for some Oven Fried Chicken, for a healthier slant:

Ingredients
  • 3 to 4 pounds chicken parts
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/3 cup butter or margarine
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425°.
  2. Wash chicken and pat dry with paper towels. In a pie pan, combine flour, paprika, salt and pepper. Coat chicken with the flour mixture.
  3. Put butter in a shallow baking pan; place in oven to melt. When butter is melted, arrange chicken in the baking pan in a single layer, skin side down. Bake at 425° for 30 minutes; turn and bake 15 minutes longer, or until chicken is tender and done. This oven-fried chicken recipe serves 4.

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