Maryland Fried Chicken From The Chesapeake
Maryland Fried Chicken from Chesapeake features crispy, flavorful fried chicken with a hint of parsley, perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dredge the chicken pieces in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a 12-inch iron skillet until almost smoking.
- Add parsley to the hot oil and fry for 5 to 8 seconds; then drain on paper towels.
- Brown the chicken in two batches, frying each side for 8 minutes; drain on paper towels.
- Discard the oil drippings, but reserve 3 tablespoons for gravy.
- Return all the chicken to the skillet and add water.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken on a large platter and keep warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to your flour mixture. You can also use buttermilk instead of water for a richer taste when cooking the chicken. If you prefer a healthier option, try baking the chicken instead of frying. Just coat the pieces in the flour mixture and bake at 400°F until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Maryland Fried Chicken with classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a traditional meal. It pairs beautifully with Sweet Potato Angel Biscuit for a delightful touch. For a refreshing drink, try a glass of Lemonade Ice Tea alongside the meal to balance the richness of the chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 for about 15-20 minutes to maintain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maryland Fried Chicken From The Chesapeake contains roughly 530 calories, with 49g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (196% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (179% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1470mg per serving (64% 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 skinless chicken for this recipe?
While traditional Maryland Fried Chicken is made with skin-on pieces for added flavor and texture, you can use skinless chicken. Just be aware that the result may be less juicy and flavorful. Consider marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight to enhance its tenderness.
What type of oil is best for frying?
If you want a more authentic taste, consider using lard or shortening, but be mindful of dietary preferences.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To give your Maryland Fried Chicken a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour mixture. You can also marinate the chicken in a spicy hot sauce mixed with buttermilk before dredging it in the flour. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference for the perfect balance.
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).