American Classics: Chicken For Every Cuisine: Chicken Recipes For Every Occasion: From Weeknight To Feast
When you think of American comfort food, chicken is often at the heart of the dish. From crispy fried chicken to hearty casseroles and smoky barbecue, chicken plays a starring role in the diverse culinary landscape of the United States. American classics are all about bringing people together, and chicken, with its adaptability and flavor, fits seamlessly into this tradition. In this chapter, we'll explore some of the most beloved chicken recipes that reflect the rich and varied flavors of the American table, perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.
1. Classic Fried Chicken
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, nothing quite compares to a plate of classic fried chicken. This dish is a mainstay at Southern tables, family picnics, and comfort food feasts.
Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor and tenderness.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
4. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
5. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 12–15 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot.
2. Chicken and Waffles
The classic combination of fried chicken and waffles originated in the South and has become a beloved brunch dish across the country. The sweet and savory pairing makes for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
2 cups pancake or waffle mix
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon honey
Maple syrup for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. For the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, paprika, and a little pepper. Heat a skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let the chicken rest before slicing.
3. For the waffles: In a bowl, whisk together the waffle mix, buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve the fried chicken slices on top of the waffles, drizzle with honey and maple syrup, and enjoy!
3. BBQ Chicken
Barbecue chicken is a crowd-pleaser that brings the smoky, tangy flavors of the grill into your home. Whether you're cooking indoors or on the grill, BBQ chicken is always a hit.
Ingredients:
4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
2. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
4. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has caramelized.
5. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side.
4. Chicken Pot Pie
A quintessential American comfort dish, chicken pot pie is the perfect cozy meal. It's a creamy, hearty filling of chicken and vegetables encased in a flaky pie crust, perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes a roux.
3. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
4. Stir in the chicken, peas, carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
5. Roll out one pie crust and line a 9-inch pie pan with it. Pour the chicken mixture into the crust.
6. Top with the second pie crust and trim any excess dough. Cut a few slits in the top for ventilation.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
8. Let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
5. Buffalo Chicken Wings
No American game day is complete without a platter of crispy buffalo chicken wings. The spicy, tangy sauce is a favorite for casual gatherings and parties.
Ingredients:
12 chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your preferred brand)
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Celery and blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken wings dry and toss them in vegetable oil. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.
4. While the wings bake, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
5. Once the wings are done, toss them in the buffalo sauce until fully coated.
6. Serve the wings with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side.
6. Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
While technically not a chicken dish, chicken fried steak is a Southern classic that uses the same breading and frying techniques as fried chicken. Paired with creamy gravy, it's a dish that embodies comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients:
4 pieces of cube steak or chicken-fried steak
2 cups buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons flour (for gravy)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the steaks in buttermilk for at least an hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. For the gravy: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, then slowly whisk in the milk. Cook until the gravy thickens.
5. Serve the chicken-fried steak with a generous amount of gravy on top.
7. Southern-Style Smothered Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Gravy:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Scrape the pan to release any caramelized bits.
4. Simmer:
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, skin-side up. Add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Finish the Gravy:
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Stir in the heavy cream to the gravy, allowing it to thicken for about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish to soak up the delicious gravy.
Final Thoughts
American chicken classics represent the diversity and rich traditions of our country's culinary landscape. Whether you prefer spicy, crispy, or savory, these dishes have something to offer for every taste and occasion. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, watching the big game, or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, chicken is the star of many American favorites, making it a reliable and versatile ingredient that everyone can enjoy.
With these recipes, you can explore a variety of American tastes—from the crispy delights of fried chicken to the comforting warmth of a chicken pot pie—and bring a little taste of tradition to your table.
