Earlene'S (Ky.) "Fried" Chicken
Crispy, flavorful fried chicken coated with Italian seasoning and paprika, perfect for comfort food lovers. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine 2 cups of self-rising flour, paprika, and salt. Set aside.
- Pour 1 cup of tomato soup or cream of chicken soup into a separate bowl.
- Place the Italian dressing mix powder in a large plastic bag and shake to combine.
- Add chicken pieces into the bag with dressing mix and coat evenly.
- Dredge coated chicken in the flour mixture, then dip into the soup, and again coat with the flour mixture if desired.
- Heat butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes per side depending on size.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier coating, consider double-dipping the chicken by dredging it in the flour mixture, then dipping it in the soup, and finally coating it again with the flour. You can substitute the tomato soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor. If you're short on self-rising flour, mix all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fried chicken with classic sides like coleslaw or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Rice Yummy or a fresh garden salad for a lighter option. For a complete feast, consider including some baked beans or cornbread alongside.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Earlene'S (Ky.) "Fried" Chicken contains roughly 405 calories, with 15g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (80% of the Daily Value), iron (57% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 699mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
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
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but be mindful of the cooking time as it may reduce. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What can I do if I don't have self-rising flour?
You can easily make your own self-rising flour by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. This will work well for dredging the chicken.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Certainly! You can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken as usual, then place it on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, to achieve a healthier version.
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).