Fried Chicken. Mrs. J. Ed. Thomas. Recipe

History:

Fried chicken is a beloved dish that has a rich history in Southern cuisine, particularly in the United States. Its roots can be traced back to West Africa, where a similar cooking technique called "fry-fry" was used to prepare chicken. Enslaved Africans brought this cooking method with them to North America, and over time, it evolved into the dish we know today as fried chicken.

In the early 20th century, fried chicken became increasingly popular across the United States, and it became a staple in Southern cooking. The dish gained even more fame during the 1950s and 1960s with the rise of fast-food chains specializing in fried chicken. Today, it is enjoyed in various forms and can be found on menus worldwide.

Fun Facts:

1. The popularity of fried chicken led to the invention of the pressure fryer. This cooking appliance allows for faster and more efficient frying, resulting in crispy and juicy chicken.

2. The state of Kentucky is often associated with the best fried chicken, thanks to its famous dish, "Kentucky Fried Chicken." However, the origin of fried chicken in Kentucky is disputed, with some claiming it was named after the state, while others believe it was inspired by Korean-style fried chicken.

3. National Fried Chicken Day is celebrated on July 6th in the United States. It is a day to appreciate and indulge in this delicious dish.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Mrs. J. Ed. Thomas' Fried Chicken:

Ingredients:
- 4-6 pieces of chicken, preferably legs or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- All-purpose flour, for coating
- Butter, for frying

Instructions:

1. The night before you plan to cook the chicken, kill the fowls and clean them thoroughly. Cut the chicken into pieces, and store them in the refrigerator on ice.

2. On the day of cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

3. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.

4. In a shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.

5. In a large skillet or frying pan, melt enough butter to create a thin layer across the bottom. The butter should be heated over medium heat until it begins to sizzle.

6. Place the floured chicken pieces in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.

7. Fry the chicken until it turns a light golden brown on one side, usually around 6-8 minutes. Then, flip the chicken pieces and continue frying until the other side is also golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. This should take approximately another 6-8 minutes.

8. As you finish frying each batch, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil.

9. Serve the fried chicken hot and enjoy it with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

- Buttermilk Fried Chicken: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk before frying adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
- Spicy Fried Chicken: Adding spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to the flour mixture gives the chicken a kick of heat.
- Korean Fried Chicken: Coated with a double layer of flour and deep-fried twice, this version of fried chicken results in a super crispy and sticky coating, which is then tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce.
- Southern Fried Chicken: This classic variation uses a seasoned flour mixture, often flavored with herbs like thyme and rosemary, to coat the chicken before frying.

Whether you enjoy the traditional Southern-style fried chicken or experiment with different flavors and coatings, it's hard to resist the crispy and juicy goodness of this beloved dish. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor the deliciousness of homemade fried chicken.