Old Fashioned Fried Chicken
Old Fashioned Fried Chicken offers crispy, flavorful skin with tender meat, cooked slowly to perfection. Its classic comfort taste makes it suitable for family dinners or special gatherings, evoking nostalgic flavors of home-cooked Southern cuisine with a simple, hearty approach.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the chicken thoroughly.
- Shake the chicken in a bag of flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Fry the chicken in an electric skillet containing Crisco until browned.
- Drain excess oil from the chicken.
- Put the lid on the skillet and cook for 2 hours at 200°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crispy coating, let the floured chicken rest for about 15 minutes before frying. You can substitute the Crisco with vegetable oil or peanut oil if preferred. If you're looking to add flavor, consider mixing some paprika or garlic powder into the flour. This recipe is a classic among American recipes, perfect for family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fried chicken with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Chicken-Rice Supper or can be enjoyed as part of a picnic spread. Drizzle with honey or hot sauce for added flavor and variety.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it stays crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Fried Chicken contains roughly 620 calories, with 18g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value) and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 501mg 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 for a quicker cooking time. However, keep in mind that bone-in chicken generally provides more flavor and moisture. Adjust the frying time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
What can I do if the chicken is not browning?
If your chicken isn’t browning, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb it instead of frying. Also, avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the temperature.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this fried chicken healthier, consider baking it instead of frying. Coat the chicken in the seasoned flour and then spray it with cooking oil before placing it in the oven at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes. This method reduces the fat content significantly.
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).