Mom's Baked Fried Chicken and Gravy
When cooking for my college roommates years ago, I discovered that although tuna-fish casserole is consumed in millions of households, love of mother's own must be imprinted during infantile nurturing. As my friends summarily banished all my childhood favorites, I concluded that a hankering for mother's recipes could be used to distinguish genuine family from interlopers (call it genetic tasting). But I soon forgot the recipes. So, it took a call to Pam Ross, my sister and sole surviving mother in our clan, to retrieve this cholesterol-boosting pleaser from our Mom. My nieces like it, and it doesn't wear out the cook. Pam serves it with garlic mashed potatoes.
When cooking for my college roommates years ago, I discovered that although tuna-fish casserole is consumed in millions of households, love of mother's own must be imprinted during infantile nurturing. As my friends summarily banished all my childhood favorites, I concluded that a hankering for mother's recipes could be used to distinguish genuine family from interlopers (call it genetic tasting). But I soon forgot the recipes. So, it took a call to Pam Ross, my sister and sole surviving mother in our clan, to retrieve this cholesterol-boosting pleaser from our Mom. My nieces like it, and it doesn't wear out the cook. Pam serves it with garlic mashed potatoes.
- Carbohydrate 31 g(10%)
- Cholesterol 244 mg(81%)
- Fat 61 g(94%)
- Fiber 2 g(7%)
- Protein 50 g(101%)
- Saturated Fat 26 g(130%)
- Sodium 871 mg(36%)
- Calories 885
Step-by-step
- Soak chicken in milk to cover for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Spray a baking dish with nonstick vegetable-oil spray.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Put the butter in the baking dish and heat it in the oven until the butter melts.
- Mix flour and seasonings together in a paper sack or plastic baggie.
- Shake each piece of chicken in seasoned flour.
- Place chicken pieces, skin-side down, in the baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Turn chicken over and bake an additional 20 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
- Remove chicken and set aside in a warm place.
- Sauté the scallions and mushrooms in the drippings over medium-high heat, until soft.
- Mix the seasoned flour with milk until you see no lumps.
- Whisk milk mixture into the sautéing onions and mushrooms.
- Taste and add bouillon cube, if desired (You may want to use additional milk if you do).
- Boil until thickened to preferred consistency.
- Put into a gravy dish and serve alongside the baked chicken.
Mom's Baked Fried Chicken and Gravy: A Taste of Home
The aroma of crispy fried chicken, its golden-brown skin glistening under the warm kitchen lights, instantly transports me back to my childhood. It's a smell that evokes memories of cozy family dinners, laughter echoing around the table, and the comforting presence of my mother. Her baked fried chicken wasn't just a meal; it was an experience, a tradition, a symbol of love and belonging.
This recipe, passed down through generations, isn't just about the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat. It's about the process, the love poured into each step, and the simple satisfaction of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. It's a recipe that transcends mere culinary skills; it's a recipe for connection, for creating cherished moments, and for preserving family heritage. The rich, savory gravy, a perfect complement to the chicken, adds another layer of comforting deliciousness. The simple act of making this dish is a form of self-care for me, a way to connect with my roots and honor the women who came before me. It's a way to pass on this legacy to my own family, to create new memories and traditions around this beloved dish.
Many recipes claim to be family heirlooms, but this one truly is. I remember countless Sundays spent in the kitchen, watching my mother meticulously prepare this dish. The careful dredging of the chicken in seasoned flour, the patient baking, the meticulous crafting of the gravy – each step was infused with her love and care. It's more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; it's a story whispered through generations, a testament to the power of food to bring people together.
More than just a recipe, it's a link to my past, a comforting presence in the present, and a gift I hope to pass on to future generations. The memories associated with this dish are as rich and fulfilling as the taste itself. It’s a reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal shared with loved ones. The crispy skin, the tender meat, and the luscious gravy—each element tells a story, a story of family, of love, and of home.
Beyond the personal significance, this recipe also holds a special place in my culinary journey. When I was living in a small college apartment, far from the warmth and comfort of my family home, it became my lifeline. It was a way to create a sense of home in a strange and sometimes lonely environment. The familiar flavors, the comforting routine of preparing the dish, helped me feel connected to my family even while physically separated. This recipe wasn't just a meal; it was a way to nourish both my body and my soul.
It's a testament to the power of food to transcend distance and connect us to the people and places we love. The simple act of making this chicken and gravy brought me a sense of peace and comfort, a reminder that even in the midst of change and uncertainty, some things remain constant. It reminded me of the unwavering love and support of my family, a constant source of strength and encouragement throughout my life. This recipe isn't just a culinary masterpiece; it’s a symbol of home, family, and love.
Today, as I share this recipe with you, I hope you’ll understand that it’s more than just a set of instructions. It’s a story, a memory, a legacy. It's a way to connect with your own family history, to create new memories, and to share the love and warmth of a home-cooked meal with those you cherish. So, gather your family, roll up your sleeves, and embark on this culinary journey with me. Let's create some new memories and enjoy the delicious results together!
