Aunt Bev’s Chicken Huntington

🍗 Aunt Bev’s Chicken Huntington 🍗

History:
Aunt Bev’s Chicken Huntington is a beloved Southern-inspired dish that has its roots in classic American comfort food. While there isn’t a widely known historical account of its origin, it’s the kind of recipe that’s been passed down through generations, evolving and adapting to local flavors and preferences. It’s often associated with family gatherings, potlucks, and casual get-togethers, where its deliciously comforting taste brings people together.

Components:
The dish consists of several key components:

1. Chicken: The star of the show is typically bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, like thighs, drumsticks, or a whole cut-up chicken.

2. Seasonings: You’ll need a blend of seasonings like salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to add flavor to the chicken.

3. Flour: Flour is used to coat the chicken, creating a crispy, golden-brown crust.

4. Cooking Oil: A neutral cooking oil, like vegetable or canola oil, is used for frying the chicken.

5. Buttermilk: Buttermilk serves as a marinating and tenderizing agent. It adds a tangy flavor and helps the breading adhere to the chicken.

6. Breading: Breadcrumbs or a mixture of flour and breadcrumbs are used for the outer coating of the chicken.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of buttermilk and your choice of seasonings. Let them soak in this flavorful bath for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, prepare the breading by mixing flour with more seasonings. You can get creative with the seasonings to suit your taste.

3. Coat the Chicken: Take each marinated chicken piece, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off, and then coat it generously with the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.

4. Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or frying pan, heat your cooking oil to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). You want it hot enough to crisp up the chicken but not so hot that it burns.

5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and cooked through, usually for about 15-20 minutes for smaller pieces and up to 30 minutes for larger ones. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Drain and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve Aunt Bev’s Chicken Huntington hot and enjoy the delicious, crispy, and flavorful results.

Time Needed:
The time required to prepare Aunt Bev’s Chicken Huntington can vary, but on average, it takes about 2 hours for marinating and preparation, plus an additional 20-30 minutes for frying. So, you can expect to spend around 2.5 to 3 hours in total, including marinating time, to make this delightful dish.

🍗🍴🤩 Enjoy your Aunt Bev’s Chicken Huntington adventure! 🤩🍴🍗

🍗 Aunt Bev’s Chicken Huntington – Nutrition Facts and Health Information 🍗

It’s important to be mindful of the nutritional aspects of this delicious dish, as it is known for its comforting taste but can be relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium. Here’s a general overview of the nutrition and some health considerations:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximate):

• Calories: The calorie content can vary based on the cut of chicken and the amount of breading and oil used, but a single serving of fried chicken can range from 300 to 500 calories or more.

• Protein: Chicken is a good source of protein, providing around 20-30 grams per serving.

• Fat: Fried chicken is typically higher in fat due to the frying process. A serving can contain 15-30 grams of fat or more, with a significant portion being saturated fat.

• Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content is relatively low, with around 10-20 grams per serving, mainly from the breading.

• Sodium: One of the concerns with fried chicken is its high sodium content. A single serving can contain 500-1,000 mg or more of sodium, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.

Health Considerations:

1. Portion Size: Be mindful of portion sizes, as larger portions can significantly increase calorie and fat intake. Try to enjoy Aunt Bev’s Chicken Huntington in moderation.

2. Frying Method: The method of frying can affect the nutritional profile. Deep-frying adds more fat and calories compared to other cooking methods. Consider alternative cooking methods like baking or air frying for a healthier option.

3. Use Lean Cuts: If you prefer a healthier version, opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts or leaner cuts of chicken. This will reduce the fat content.

4. Balance Your Meal: Serve Aunt Bev’s Chicken Huntington with a variety of vegetables and whole grains to create a balanced meal. This will provide essential nutrients and fiber while helping to control overall calorie intake.

5. Homemade vs. Restaurant: When dining out, restaurant versions of this dish may contain more calories and sodium due to differences in preparation and portion sizes. Homemade recipes allow you to have more control over the ingredients and portion sizes.

6. Moderation: While Aunt Bev’s Chicken Huntington may not be an everyday food due to its calorie and fat content, it can be enjoyed as an occasional treat in a balanced diet.

Remember that the specific nutritional content can vary based on how the dish is prepared and individual serving sizes. If you have specific dietary concerns or health goals, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.