Have you ever stopped to wonder why chicken fried chicken is so named?Is it truly made of fried chicken? If not, then where does the “chicken” part come from?
According to the American Food History Project, the popularity of fried chicken began in the colonial period, with approximately 17 million chickens being consumed in the United States in 1820 alone. That’s an average of 2
6 chickens per US citizen. In many parts of the US, fried chicken is now commonly referred to as chicken fried chicken.
But why? The origin of the name is somewhat disputed. Technically, it should be referred to as fried chicken – chicken being the noun, fried being the verb.
But the name has evolved over time, and with that evolution so comes the confusion behind why it is so named. Let’s look into it and figure out why chicken fried chicken is actually called chicken fried chicken!
Why is it called Chicken Fried Chicken?
Chicken fried chicken is a dish made with chicken that is battered, fried and served with a gravy, biscuit, rice or mashed potatoes. The dish gets its name from its use of a fried chicken method and the use of a gravy that is made from chicken fat or chicken stock.The popularity of the dish is believed to have originated in the United States, particularly in the Southern American states, although it has a strong presence in the cuisine of other, mostly warmer countries.
Southern Comfort Food
Chicken fried chicken is one of the best known and most beloved Southern comfort foods.It is a traditional dish, and is usually served with a gravy and side dishes. One popular variation of the dish is “country fried chicken,” which is typically served with a white gravy.
Traditional Preparation
The traditional method of preparing chicken fried chicken is to dredge the chicken pieces, typically cut up or boneless, in a seasoned flour or flour-based mixture.The dredged chicken pieces are then fried in a combination of butter and shortening for about 10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. To make the gravy, the chicken fat and butter are combined with a combination of flour, seasonings and milk to thicken.
International Variations
While the origins of chicken fried chicken are linked to the Southern United States, variations on the dish exist around the world. Some of the variations include the Mexican-style “frito de pollo”, which is fried chicken in a spicy sauce, often served with rice; the Japanese-style “karaage”, which is fried chicken in a savory soy-flavored sauce, usually served with a side of pickled ginger; and the Italian-style “pollo alla cacciatora”, which is fried chicken in garlic and tomato sauce.Conclusion
Chicken fried chicken is a widely enjoyed dish in the United States and around the world.Its name is derived from its preparation, which includes battering and frying chicken with a gravy made of chicken fat or stock. It is a traditional Southern comfort food, but variations on the dish exist around the world, each of which has its own unique flavor and taste.
Citations: https://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Chicken_fried_chickenhttps://www. thespruceeats. com/chicken-fried-chicken-recipe-3060599https://www. tasteatlas. com/chicken-fried-chicken