Why 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). These days, there are so many options to enjoy, from classic plate lunches featuring fried chicken and soulful sides to inventive dishes like fried chicken and waffles to local drive-through joints that specialize in the perfect fried chicken.
As history shows, the Southern American classic actually has 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 fuse into 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 developed a business plan in a college class. Today, there are hundreds of locations around the globe, putting this Louisiana business on the map.
Take a spin by one of these local franchises or find amazing fried chicken at a favorite local spot. And if you never miss a festival, add the National Fried Chicken Festival to your calendar. This New Orleans festival, held in October, features major performing artists, delicious spins on fried chicken (including vegan and vegetarian options), a beer garden and curated VIP experiences. Between shows, grab tasty meals like loaded mac and cheese bowls, classic buttermilk strips and chicken-topped beignets.
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.
