Country Fried Chicken

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Country Fried Chicken offers crispy, flavorful coating with a tender inside, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings. The seasoned crust combines garlic salt, paprika, and poultry seasoning for a savory punch, making it a crowd-pleaser for those craving classic Southern-style fried chicken.

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Ingredients

  • 1 frying chicken (2 1/2 to 3 lb.), cut up
  • Crisco shortening
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 2 teaspoons MSG
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Instructions

  1. Blend the milk and egg together in a bowl.
  2. Combine flour, garlic salt, MSG, paprika, and poultry seasoning in a plastic bag.
  3. Shake the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour to coat thoroughly.
  4. Dip the coated chicken pieces into the milk-egg mixture.
  5. Shake the chicken again in the seasoning mixture to ensure an even coating.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra crunch, let the coated chicken rest for about 15 minutes before frying. If you don’t have MSG, you can substitute with an equal amount of salt. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. Ensure the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of bread; it should sizzle immediately. This recipe is a classic among American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Country Fried Chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or southern-style biscuits. Drizzle with gravy for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Hash Brown Potatoes Casserole for a hearty meal. Don't forget some sweet tea to complete the experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Country Fried Chicken contains roughly 611 calories, with 9g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber.

611 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.7g 17% DV
Total Fat 32.9g 42% DV
Carbs 71.4g 26% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 1.5g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 84.4mg 4% DV
Potassium 268.9mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 64.8mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 54.9mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 0.8mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 109.6mg 8% DV
Iron 4.7mg 26% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of oil is best for frying chicken?

Crisco shortening is a great option for frying chicken as it has a high smoke point and helps achieve a crispy texture. You can also use vegetable oil or peanut oil, which are both excellent alternatives.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, though cooking times may vary. Make sure to adjust the frying time based on the thickness of the pieces to ensure they cook all the way through.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make Country Fried Chicken healthier, consider baking the chicken instead of frying. Coat with seasoned flour and spray with cooking oil before placing it in the oven. This reduces fat while still delivering flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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