What’S The Difference Between, Fried Chicken Vs Southern Fried Chicken? Read This To Find Out!
What To Know
- Fried chicken is typically made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, while southern fried chicken often uses whole chicken pieces, including the bone-in breasts and thighs.
- Fried chicken is typically seasoned with a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, while southern fried chicken is renowned for its complex and flavorful seasoning.
- The key ingredients in southern fried chicken are chicken, flour, buttermilk or whey, salt, pepper, and a variety of herbs and spices such as paprika, cumin, oregano, and thyme.
The world of fried chicken is a vast and delicious one, with countless variations on the classic recipe. But two styles stand out above the rest: fried chicken and southern fried chicken. So, what’s the difference between these two culinary icons? Let’s dive into the details and settle the age-old debate.
The Origin Story
Fried chicken has a long and storied history, with roots in both Africa and Europe. It is believed that enslaved Africans brought their frying techniques to the United States, where the dish quickly gained popularity. Southern fried chicken, on the other hand, is a uniquely American creation, perfected in the kitchens of the American South.
The Ingredients
The key ingredient in both fried chicken and southern fried chicken is, of course, chicken. However, the choice of chicken can vary. Fried chicken is typically made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, while southern fried chicken often uses whole chicken pieces, including the bone-in breasts and thighs.
The Seasoning
Seasoning is what truly sets fried chicken and southern fried chicken apart. Fried chicken is typically seasoned with a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Southern fried chicken, on the other hand, is renowned for its complex and flavorful seasoning. In addition to salt, pepper, and garlic powder, southern fried chicken often includes herbs and spices such as paprika, cumin, oregano, and thyme.
The Coating
The coating is another key difference between fried chicken and southern fried chicken. Fried chicken is typically coated in a simple flour mixture. Southern fried chicken, however, uses a more elaborate coating process. The chicken pieces are first dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, then dipped in buttermilk or whey, and finally coated in a second layer of flour. This double-coating process creates a crispy, flavorful crust.
The Frying Method
Both fried chicken and southern fried chicken are fried in hot oil. However, the frying method can vary. Fried chicken is typically fried in a deep fryer or skillet. Southern fried chicken, on the other hand, is often cooked in a cast-iron skillet over low heat. This slower cooking method allows the chicken to cook evenly and develop a deep, golden-brown crust.
The Taste
So, what’s the difference in taste between fried chicken and southern fried chicken? Fried chicken is crispy and flavorful, with a relatively mild seasoning. Southern fried chicken, on the other hand, is incredibly flavorful, with a crispy, well-seasoned crust and moist, juicy meat.
Which Style is Better?
Ultimately, the question of which style of fried chicken is better is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a crispy, mild-flavored chicken, then fried chicken is the way to go. If you prefer a flavorful, well-seasoned chicken with a crispy crust, then southern fried chicken is the clear winner.
The Verdict: A Matter of Taste
Fried chicken and southern fried chicken are both delicious and iconic dishes with unique flavors and textures. While there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to which style is better, there is no denying the culinary prowess of southern fried chicken. With its complex seasoning, crispy crust, and juicy meat, southern fried chicken is a true masterpiece of American cuisine.
Answers to Your Questions
1. What is the difference between fried chicken and southern fried chicken?
Fried chicken is typically seasoned with a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, while southern fried chicken is renowned for its complex and flavorful seasoning. Southern fried chicken also uses a double-coating process that creates a crispy, flavorful crust.
2. Which style of fried chicken is better?
The question of which style of fried chicken is better is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a crispy, mild-flavored chicken, then fried chicken is the way to go. If you prefer a flavorful, well-seasoned chicken with a crispy crust, then southern fried chicken is the clear winner.
3. What are the key ingredients in southern fried chicken?
The key ingredients in southern fried chicken are chicken, flour, buttermilk or whey, salt, pepper, and a variety of herbs and spices such as paprika, cumin, oregano, and thyme.
