John'S Favorite Chicken
John's Favorite Chicken features crispy fried chicken smothered in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with a hint of spice, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 frying chicken ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. shortening or bacon drippings ⓘ
- 1 tsp. onion powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. fructose ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 cup catsup ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. celery seed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- pinch of cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry the chicken in shortening until brown.
- Place the fried chicken in a 3-quart baking dish.
- Combine all remaining ingredients and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using bacon drippings instead of shortening. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the fructose or substitute with honey. Ensure the chicken is completely cooked through by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For added depth, try incorporating garlic powder or smoked paprika as extra spices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with fluffy rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli, complements the meal well. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Chicken Casserole With Cornbread Dressing Mix for a comforting pairing.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This prevents the chicken from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of John'S Favorite Chicken contains roughly 154 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 513mg per serving (22% 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, you can use boneless chicken pieces; however, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chicken cooks faster. Ensure you still achieve a nice browning on the outside for flavor.
What can I substitute for catsup?
If you don't have catsup, you can use tomato sauce mixed with a bit of sugar and vinegar to mimic the sweetness and tanginess of catsup. Alternatively, barbecue sauce can also work well.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or incorporate hot sauce into the mixture. You can also use a spicier mustard variant for an extra kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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).