Fried chicken

Southern fried chicken, often simply referred to as fried chicken, is a cherished dish where chicken pieces are coated in a seasoned batter and fried to perfection. This cooking technique creates a crispy, flavorful crust while keeping the interior juicy and tender. The origins of fried chicken can be traced back to Scottish and West African cuisines, traditions brought together by Scottish immigrants and African-Americans in the Southern United States. Over time, it has become a staple in Southern cuisine, especially within African-American communities, due to its affordability and cultural significance.

The preparation of fried chicken typically involves dredging the chicken in a flour-based batter mixed with various seasonings, followed by frying it in oil. There are several methods for frying the chicken, including pan frying, deep frying, and broasting (which combines frying and pressure cooking). It is commonly served with classic Southern sides such as mashed potatoes, gravy, and biscuits. Numerous delicious variations exist, such as Barberton chicken, Chicken Maryland, popcorn chicken, chicken and waffles, and Nashville hot chicken.

Regrettably, fried chicken has also been associated with racial stereotypes in the United States, particularly targeting African-Americans. Despite being a widely adored comfort food, it has occasionally been used in offensive and insensitive ways by the media and public figures to perpetuate negative stereotypes.