Southern Colonel Fried Chicken
Southern Colonel Fried Chicken offers crispy, flavorful coating with a savory blend of pancake mix and Italian dressing, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix pancake mix and 1 package of Italian salad dressing (dry); set aside.
- Beat egg with water; stir in the second package of Italian salad dressing (dry).
- Coat each piece of cut-up chicken evenly with the egg-water-dressing mixture, then roll in the pancake-dressing mix. Let dry on toweling.
- Heat 1-inch deep oil in a heavy skillet to 400°F (medium-high heat).
- Fry the chicken 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Place fried chicken on cookie sheets and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes for a crispy coating.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider adding a tablespoon of paprika or garlic powder to the pancake mix. If you don't have pancake mix, you can substitute with a simple flour and cornstarch mixture. If you prefer a spicier kick, try incorporating some cayenne pepper into the coating mixture. This recipe is a fantastic example of American recipes that stand the test of time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Southern Colonel Fried Chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread for a true Southern feast. It pairs beautifully with Quick Side Dish Stuffing to round out your meal. For a refreshing drink, consider sweet tea or lemonade to complement the rich flavors 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 restore its crispiness. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker reheating option that preserves the crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Colonel Fried Chicken contains roughly 1320 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 134g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 830mg per serving (36% 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, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than bone-in pieces. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
What type of oil is best for frying chicken?
Peanut oil or canola oil are great options for frying chicken due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors. Avoid using oils with lower smoke points, as they may burn during frying.
Can I freeze the fried chicken?
Absolutely! After frying, let the chicken cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
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).