Hopalong Cassidy’s Fried Chicken Recipe
Overview:
Hopalong Cassidy, the iconic cowboy portrayed by actor William Boyd, shares his cherished recipe for Fried Chicken in this homage to A Cowboy Christmas. This dish promises a succulent, crispy exterior with tender, juicy meat on the inside. Following Hopalong’s advice, take care not to cook the chicken over too high a flame to preserve its flavor and texture.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 2250.8
- Fat Content: 170.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 81.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 605.9mg
- Sodium Content: 1108.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 75.8g
- Fiber Content: 2.5g
- Sugar Content: 5.1g
- Protein Content: 100.5g
Ingredients:
- 2 whole chickens
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
-
Prepare Chicken:
- Cut up the chicken into desired pieces.
- Wash and drain the chicken, ensuring not to wipe it dry.
- Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
-
Coat Chicken:
- Roll each seasoned chicken piece in all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
-
Fry Bacon:
- In a deep skillet, fry the bacon until it renders its fat and turns crispy.
- Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside.
-
Cook Chicken:
- In the same skillet with the rendered bacon fat, add the butter.
- Once the butter has melted, add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken slowly over medium heat in the hot fat, turning frequently to ensure even browning.
- Continue cooking until the chicken develops a golden-brown crust and is thoroughly cooked through.
-
Serve Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a hot serving platter to keep warm.
-
Prepare Sauce:
- In the skillet with the remaining fat, add the cooked bacon back in along with any drippings.
- Pour in the milk and stir the mixture thoroughly.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Final Touches:
- After simmering, pour the bacon and milk sauce over the cooked chicken on the serving platter.
- Garnish the dish with fresh parsley sprigs for a vibrant finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions:
Hopalong Cassidy’s Fried Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or steamed vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal. For a complete cowboy-inspired feast, complement this dish with baked beans and a refreshing glass of lemonade or sweet tea.
Recipe Notes:
- Take care not to cook the chicken over too high a flame, as Hopalong Cassidy warns, as this may result in the chicken becoming overcooked or burnt on the outside while remaining raw on the inside.
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk for several hours before coating it in flour and frying.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding additional herbs and spices for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.