Why Is Chicken Fried Chicken Called That? The Curious Case of Double Chicken

Did you know that Chicken Fried Steak is made with beef instead of chicken? This Southern dish often makes people wonder why it’s called chicken fried steak. The name comes from how it’s cooked, similar to fried chicken.

Usually, a cheaper cut of beef, like cube steak, is used. It’s breaded and fried like Southern fried chicken. This dish is a big hit in Southern cuisine, with Texas loving it the most. Its unique cooking method has made it famous.

Ever go to a restaurant and order chicken fried chicken and then think, “Wait a minute, isn’t that just regular fried chicken?” The name does sound like it’s the same thing at first. What’s the deal with chicken that’s been fried like chicken?

Being a food blogger who has spent a lot of time researching culinary mysteries, I’ve learned that there’s a fascinating story behind this name that seems to be used over and over again. Learn about the tasty world of chicken fried chicken and find out why it’s called what it is.

The Name Explained: It’s About the Method, Not the Meat

Chicken fried chicken gets its name from the cooking technique, not because it contains chicken twice. The term “chicken-fried” refers to the preparation method that mimics how traditional Southern fried chicken is made – with flour dredging and pan-frying to create that iconic golden-brown crust we all love.

When you see “chicken-fried” on a menu it’s telling you about the cooking style, similar to how “stir-fried” or “deep-fried” describes how something is prepared. It’s essentially saying “prepared in the style of fried chicken.”

The name breaks down like this

  • “Chicken-fried” = the cooking technique
  • “Chicken” = the meat being cooked

So chicken fried chicken is just chicken that has been cooked in the chicken-frying method. Makes sense now, right?.

The Origin Story: A Tale of Culinary Adaptation

Tracing the exact origins of chicken fried chicken is tricky since food traditions often evolve organically rather than being formally documented. However, most food historians place its beginnings in the American South, particularly Texas, during the late 19th or early 20th century.

The German Connection

One popular theory suggests German immigrants to Texas played a key role in developing this dish. These immigrants brought with them their beloved Wiener schnitzel – breaded and pan-fried veal cutlets. When they arrived in Texas, they adapted their cooking methods to the ingredients available locally.

Since veal wasn’t as common or affordable in Texas as it was in Europe, they substituted it with beef, particularly cube steak. They applied the same breading and frying technique they used for schnitzel, which closely resembled how Southern cooks prepared fried chicken. Thus, chicken fried steak was born – beef prepared in the style of fried chicken.

Eventually, cooks used the same method on chicken, making what we now call “chicken fried chicken.” This is a unique way to cook chicken that is different from traditional Southern fried chicken in small but important ways.

The Chuckwagon Theory

Another interesting theory connects chicken fried cooking methods to the chuckwagons of the Old West. These mobile kitchens fed cowboys on long cattle drives and needed to make the most of limited resources.

Cooks would tenderize tough cuts of meat and prepare them in familiar ways to create hearty, satisfying meals. The chicken-frying method – dredging in flour and pan-frying – was an efficient cooking technique that worked well for both beef and chicken, making the most of what was available.

Chicken Fried Chicken vs. Regular Fried Chicken: What’s the Difference?

You might still be wondering: isn’t chicken fried chicken just… fried chicken? Not exactly! There are some key differences:

  1. The cut of meat: Traditional fried chicken typically uses bone-in pieces of chicken with skin. Chicken fried chicken usually uses boneless, skinless chicken breast that’s been pounded thin.

  2. The coating: Regular fried chicken often has a thicker crust and might use a wet batter. Chicken fried chicken uses the dredging method with seasoned flour.

  3. The serving style: Chicken fried chicken is almost always served with cream gravy, while traditional fried chicken is often served without gravy.

  4. The cooking method: Chicken fried chicken is typically pan-fried rather than deep-fried.

These differences might seem subtle, but they create distinct dishes that each have their own place in Southern cuisine.

The Evolution of a Comfort Food Classic

Over time, chicken fried chicken has evolved and become a beloved staple of Southern and Midwestern cuisine. Its popularity stems partly from its clever adaptation of a beloved cooking style to create a satisfying and flavorful meal.

The dish’s enduring appeal lies in its:

  • Simplicity
  • Affordability
  • Satisfying combination of crispy exterior and tender interior
  • Versatility with different sides and gravies

Today, you’ll find chicken fried chicken on menus across America, especially in diners, family restaurants, and Southern-style eateries. It’s often served with classic sides like:

  • Mashed potatoes and gravy
  • Green beans
  • Corn on the cob
  • Coleslaw
  • Biscuits
  • Mac and cheese

The Gravy Factor: A Defining Element

We can’t talk about chicken fried chicken without discussing the gravy! The type of gravy served with chicken fried chicken is perhaps one of the most defining elements of the dish.

Cream gravy (also called country gravy or white gravy) is the traditional accompaniment. It’s made from the pan drippings, flour, and milk or cream – creating a thick, rich sauce that perfectly complements the crispy exterior of the chicken.

Some regional variations include:

  • Pepper gravy: Cream gravy with generous amounts of freshly cracked black pepper
  • Brown gravy: Made with beef broth instead of milk (though this is more common with country fried steak)

The choice of gravy is often a matter of personal preference or regional tradition, but cream gravy remains the most authentic pairing for chicken fried chicken.

Beyond the Basic Recipe: Regional Variations

Like many beloved dishes, chicken fried chicken has developed regional variations as it spread throughout the country. Some interesting variations include:

  • Spicy versions with cayenne pepper or hot sauce added to the breading
  • Herb-infused varieties featuring fresh herbs like thyme or sage
  • Buttermilk-soaked chicken for extra tenderness and flavor
  • Double-dredged options for an extra-crispy coating

Each variation maintains the core elements that define chicken fried chicken while adding unique regional or personal touches.

Making Chicken Fried Chicken at Home: Tips and Tricks

If you’re inspired to try making chicken fried chicken in your own kitchen, here are some helpful tips:

  1. Pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

  2. Season your flour generously – salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika are classic choices.

  3. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking before adding the chicken (around 350°F is ideal).

  4. Don’t overcrowd the pan – this lowers the oil temperature and can make the coating soggy.

  5. Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack rather than paper towels to keep it crispy.

  6. Make the gravy in the same pan you fried the chicken in to capture all those flavorful bits.

Common Questions About Chicken Fried Chicken

Is chicken fried chicken gluten-free?

Traditional chicken fried chicken is not gluten-free because it uses wheat flour for the breading. However, you can make gluten-free versions using alternative flours like rice flour or gluten-free flour blends.

Can I make chicken fried chicken in an air fryer?

Yes! While it won’t be exactly the same as the traditional pan-fried version, you can make a healthier adaptation in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, lightly spray the breaded chicken with oil, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I know when my chicken fried chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check. The breading should also be golden brown and crispy.

What’s the difference between chicken fried steak and country fried steak?

The main difference is in the gravy. Chicken fried steak is typically served with cream gravy, while country fried steak is often served with brown gravy. The cooking method for the steak itself is usually similar.

The Cultural Significance: More Than Just a Meal

Chicken fried chicken represents more than just a delicious dinner option – it’s a symbol of hospitality and community in Southern culture. In the rural South, it was often served at family gatherings and social events. The act of cooking and sharing this dish was a way of showing love and respect for guests.

Today, chicken fried chicken continues to hold a special place in American food culture. It reminds us of family meals, community gatherings, and the simple pleasure of comfort food made with care.

Final Thoughts: A Name That Makes Sense After All

So, why is chicken fried chicken called that? Because it’s chicken that’s prepared using the chicken-frying method – a technique that was first popularized with beef (chicken fried steak) and then applied back to chicken itself.

The name might sound redundant at first, but it actually tells you something important about how the dish is prepared and what to expect when you order it. It signals that classic crispy, golden-brown crust and savory flavor profile that makes this dish so beloved.

Next time you see chicken fried chicken on a menu, you’ll know exactly why it’s called that – and hopefully, you’ll appreciate the rich culinary history behind this delicious Southern classic!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy chicken fried chicken? With extra pepper in the gravy? Alongside mashed potatoes? Or maybe with some hot sauce on the side? However you like it, this dish with the funny-sounding name remains one of America’s most satisfying comfort foods.

why is chicken fried chicken called that

History and Origin of Chicken Fried Steak

The chicken fried steak’s origins are a topic of debate. Early recipes and mentions show different views. German and Austrian immigrants brought their dishes, like Wiener schnitzel, to the US in the 19th century. They used veal, but in Texas, they found plenty of beef, starting the chicken fried steak journey.

In Texas, this dish found its home. The first mention of “chicken fried steak” was in 1914, in the Oxford English Dictionary. Texas celebrates it so much that it named October 26th Chicken Fried Steak Day.

**German Influence on American Cuisine:

  • Introduction of traditional dishes by German and Austrian immigrants
  • Adaptation of Wiener schnitzel using locally sourced beef

These early recipes show how German traditions mixed with American tastes. This blend is seen in Texas, where cattle ranching was common. So, the story of chicken fried steak is about cultural fusion and adaptation.

Preparation and Cooking Methods

Chicken fried steak starts with tenderizing the meat. You can use tenderized cube steak, chuck, or round steak. This makes the steak soft and full of flavor.

To cook chicken fried steak, you must follow the breading steps carefully. First, the meat is coated in seasoned flour. Then, it’s dipped in egg or buttermilk. Lastly, it’s covered in flour again for a crispy crust. This step is key to making chicken fried steak different from country fried steak.

The steak is then fried in oil. Pan-frying is a favorite method. It makes the outside golden and crispy while keeping the inside tender. Deep frying also adds to the crunchiness.

Gravy is a big part of chicken fried steak. White, cream-based sauces are common. These are often milk-based pepper gravies, unlike the brown gravies used in country fried steak. The choice of gravy can start lively debates.

Choosing the right frying method and gravy can change the dish’s taste and complexity. This makes each chicken fried steak unique and true to southern cooking.

The Origin of Fried Chicken

Leave a Comment