The Rich History of Fried Chicken in America: Before Any Chain Restaurants

Fried chicken, a beloved Southern delicacy in the United States, has a long and fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. This delectable treat has its roots in Scottish immigrants who brought it with them to the Southern colonies in the 17th century, but the method of frying chicken in seasoned flour can be traced back to West African slaves who were brought to the Southern United States during the same period.

Introduction to Fried Chicken in America

The Brits are renowned for their expertise in fried foods, and a fried chicken recipe dates from 1736, indicating that fried chicken has been part of American cuisine for quite some time. However, there is no single person credited with inventing fried chicken in America before chain restaurants. The history of fried chicken in America dates back to the arrival of Scottish immigrants who settled in the southern colonies in the 17th century.

The Earliest Recorded Recipes for Fried Chicken

The first recorded recipe for fried chicken in America is attributed to Hannah Glasse, an 18th-century English cook. However, this does not mean she invented fried chicken. Fried chicken has a much longer history, with evidence of its existence as far back as 150 AD, when Apicius, an ancient Roman gourmet, mentioned a recipe for fried chicken in his cookbook Ars Coquinaria. This shows that the method of frying chicken in seasoned flour likely originated with West African slaves who were brought to the Southern United States.

The Cultural Influence on Fried Chicken

The history of fried chicken is deeply intertwined with the collective contributions of various cultural groups. African slaves, Scottish immigrants, and Native Americans all played a role in shaping the dish as it is known today. Many enslaved people in the South were allowed to raise their own chickens on small plots of land, which made it a cost-effective alternative to feeding them. Frying the chicken was also faster and required less time in hot kitchens, where temperatures routinely exceeded 100°F.

Global Influence on Fried Chicken

Fried foods have a long history, predating even the humble origins of fried chicken. For instance, Belgian peasants deep-fried small fish in the 16th century to survive harsh winters. Likewise, Portuguese traders introduced the Japanese to deep-friend foods as tempura, and the Dutch created olykoeks by frying lumps of dough. These historical examples illustrate the global influence that has shaped the modern art of frying.

Conclusion

The history of fried chicken in America is rich and diverse, with roots that trace back centuries and continents. While there is no single inventor, the collective contributions of various cultural groups have created the beloved dish that people enjoy today. From the ancient Romans to the modern-day Southern United States, fried chicken has evolved into a cherished culinary creation.

References

Literature:

Edge, John T. Colonial and Pioneer Cooking. Harris, Jessica B. Curry, La Graine et le Méditerranéen. Random, Mary. Slavery and the Folk Cooking of the South.

Sources:

Edge, John T. Harris, Jessica B. Random, Mary.