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From its crispy, flaky shell to its juicy interior, there’s nothing like biting into a piece of fried chicken. But while this dish may seem simple, it’s history is anything but. To learn more about how this food became a staple in our national diet, dig into the overview below.

A Brief History of Fried Chicken

Early Beginnings

Its story goes back as early as 7,500 BCE when civilizations in Southeast Asia started domesticating the fowl. At that time, they believed chickens were sacred creatures who could predict the future, as they announced the rising of the sun. Trade routes brought the practice of domestication to West Africa, China, and the Middle East, where the meat was fried and then stewed in liquid.

Colonization

fried chickenWith colonization and the slave trade, the concept of frying chicken found its way to Britain and America around the 1700s to the 1900s. In 1747, Hannah Glasse of England published the first recipe for American-style fried chicken, which most Brits associated with the American South. Since chickens were the only animals that slaves were allowed to keep, African Americans were soon burdened with stereotypes surrounding this dish.

American Rebranding

In the 20th century, fried chicken became something of a national trend, with the expansion of fast food chains like KFC®, Popeyes®, and Church’s Chicken®. This transition was led by advancements in chicken farming, which became less expensive, as well as new techniques for making the skin stay crispy for longer periods. Simultaneously, African Americans began reclaiming the derogative stereotypes surrounding the now-celebrated dish, opening up businesses across the country devoted to different interpretations of it.

Today’s Landscape

What once started as small, mom-and-pop enterprises went on to become cornerstones in the history of fried chicken—from Austin Leslie and Willie Mae Seaton of New Orleans with their Coca-Cola® brine to Helen Stroud of Kansas City with her pan-fried chicken to the infamous tongue-searing seasoning of Nashville’s Prince’s Hot Chicken®. In every region, cooks are devoted to the recipes that their predecessors invented, creating a rich and diverse culinary fabric that can only be experienced with a long road trip and a big appetite.

 

If you’re eager to sample the fried chicken of Nebraska’s capital, stop by Lee's Chicken Restaurant in Lincoln. This eatery has been honing their craft since 1945 and is now one of the oldest restaurants in the city still open to the public. Whether you’re planning a birthday party or just looking for a taste of history, call them at (402) 477-4339 to make a reservation. You can also visit their website to see their full menu.

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