Fried Chicken: A Love Story

I like to consider myself a fairly intelligent person, but the one thing that baffles me time after time is when someone says that they don’t like fried chicken. Unless you’re a vegetarian and don’t eat meat in general, then this is one concept that I will always fail to grasp. Growing up, fried chicken was a regular feature on the Hutcherson dinner menu that never failed to disappoint. There’s something about my mother’s fried chicken that always makes it turn out perfect. (I like to think the secret ingredient is a little bit of love.) My mom would usually prepare one of those large family packs of chicken wings with the thought that there would be leftovers. This plan worked when my brother and I were little, but soon failed once we started reaching puberty and acquired some rather beastly appetites. What was once enough food to feed a family of four for at least two days dwarfed to one lonely meal (and maybe a snack for one person if they were lucky).

I started out as mostly a white meat (chicken wings in particular) fan, but my preference and appetite both evolved over time. As you can see from the pictures posted here, I have made my entrance into the dark side. The great thing about drumsticks and thighs is that it is near impossible to dry them out, so even the most beginner of cooks can have success, and they’re pretty cheap too! (Frugality is a trait that I inherited from my parents—I have this almost deathly fear of debt and low bank balances.) Thankfully I can now enjoy the whole enchilada—I mean bird—and benefit from all of its days of clucking.

What is there not to love about tender, juicy flesh enrobed in a crunchy, golden brown crust prepared to satisfy hunger and titillate taste buds?

(Pause for dramatic effect. I think I can hear a few pins dropping.)

That’s what I thought, but feel free to state the contrary in the comment section below. Also, click here and here for a couple of variations on ways to prepare this meal time favorite. I’ll also be sure to test out some other preparations and report back to you with my findings.

And yes, I know that I am fulfilling all sorts of racial stereotypes by writing a post about my love for fried chicken, but good food is good food. Happy eating!