Louisiana Loves Fried Chicken
Read up on Louisiana's relationship with this Southern staple.
We Louisianans love southern comfort food, and fried chicken is no exception, especially in north Louisiana where soul food is a staple (some even call it the official meal of north Louisiana) whereas Cajun and Creole cuisine rules the south. These days, there are so many options to enjoy – from classic plate lunches consisting of fried chicken and soulful sides, to inventive dishes such as fried chicken and waffles, to the fast and easy local drive-throughs that specialize in making the perfect fried chicken.
As history tells, the Southern American classic actually comes from Scottish and West African origins. Before the invention of refrigeration, frying chicken was a good way to keep the chicken from going bad. Scottish immigrants traditionally fried chicken in animal fat. The seasonings and spices, however, were introduced by the West Africans. It was in the American South that the two traditions would become fused together in what is now known as modern Southern fried chicken. Of course now, the delicacy is enjoyed all over the world – from dine-in eateries with impressive fried chicken dishes, to convenient fast food restaurants offering hot chicken on-the-go.
In 1972, Alvin C. Copeland Sr. opened “Chicken on the Run” in the New Orleans suburb of Arabi, serving traditional Southern-fried chicken. After being renamed, what we now know as Popeyes opened its first franchise restaurant in Louisiana in 1976. Now, Popeyes has thousands of restaurants where people enjoy Louisiana-style fried chicken all over the world.
Another Louisiana-based favorite is Raising Cane’s, which serves a limited menu of fried chicken fingers. Originating in Baton Rouge, the first Raising Cane’s opened in 1996, after Louisiana State University student Todd Graves came up with the idea for business plan in a college class. Today, there are hundreds of locations around the globe, putting this Louisiana business on the map.
Find amazing fried chicken at a favorite local spot, or take a spin by one of these local franchises. And don't miss out on the National Fried Chicken Festival held in New Orleans!
Hungry for more? Roll up your sleeves and try this Air Fryer Hot Chicken Sandwich recipe made with Louisiana Fish Fry, spicy buttermilk batter and a hot sauce glaze. Whatever you choose, this classic comfort food will surely leave you satisfied.
