Monday, May 26, 2025

My Favourite Food - Fried Chicken

Golden-brown chicken wings garnished with fresh herbs, perfect for a tasty meal., Photographer: Harry Dona

Hello everyone! My name is Mini, and I'm going to tell you about my absolute, most favourite food in the whole wide world. Are you ready? It's… FRIED CHICKEN!

Now, I know what you're thinking. Fried chicken? Isn't that a bit… greasy? Maybe a little bit unhealthy? Well, yes, maybe just a tiny bit! But oh my goodness, the taste! It's completely, utterly, unbelievably delicious! It's the kind of delicious that makes your eyes close and you moan with happiness. It's the kind of delicious that makes you want to do a little happy dance right there and then!

My love for fried chicken started when I was a little tiny tot, barely able to hold a drumstick. My grandma, Amma, used to make the most amazing crispy fried chicken. It wasn't just any fried chicken; it was Amma's special recipe crispy, juicy, golden-brown, perfectly seasoned, extra crunchy, mouthwatering, finger-licking-good fried chicken! I remember sitting at her kitchen table, watching her work her magic. The air would fill with the most incredible aroma – a mix of sizzling oil, fragrant spices, and that uniquely delicious chicken smell.

She'd start with the freshest chicken, the kind with plump, juicy breasts and incredibly tasty legs. Then came the secret ingredient – Amma's special spice blend! I've tried to get the recipe from her a million times, but she always laughs and says, "It's a secret, my little chickadee!" I suspect it involves a generous amount of turmeric, a dash of chilli powder (because Amma loves a little bit of spice!), some ginger, garlic, and maybe a sprinkle of something magical that only Ammas know how to make.

After the chicken was marinated – this is a very important step, you know – it was ready for the frying pan. The oil had to be just the right temperature; Amma always says it's an art, not a science. Too hot and it would burn, too cold and it would be soggy. She'd use a big, heavy iron pan, the kind that's been in the family for generations. The sound of the chicken hitting the hot oil… sizzle, pop, crackle! It's a symphony of deliciousness!

Watching those pieces of chicken turn from pale white to a gorgeous golden brown was mesmerising! The crust would get all crispy and crunchy, while the inside stayed juicy and tender. It's like a perfect balance of textures – the satisfying crunch of the skin and the soft, succulent meat. I swear, it's the perfect blend of crispy fried chicken perfection.

And the best part? The taste! Each bite is an explosion of flavour – the crispy, salty skin, the juicy, tender meat, the subtle hint of spice from Amma's secret blend. I love the juicy, tender breast meat, but I especially love the crunchy, flavorful drumsticks and juicy, succulent thighs. Even the wings are fantastic; crispy on the outside and oh-so-tender on the inside. Every part is delicious!

Growing up, Amma's fried chicken was a staple at every family gathering. Birthdays, festivals, even just a Tuesday night dinner – fried chicken was always there, a symbol of comfort, joy, and love. The aroma alone would bring the whole family rushing to the kitchen. We'd all sit around the table, our fingers stained with deliciousness, laughing and chatting while enjoying this amazing delicacy.

Now, I'm a bit older, and I've tried fried chicken from different places – fancy restaurants, street food stalls, even some attempts at making it myself (though nothing ever quite matches Amma's!). But nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to that first taste of Amma's special recipe. It's more than just fried chicken; it's a taste of home, a taste of family, a taste of love.

So, next time you see fried chicken on a menu, or you smell that irresistible aroma wafting through the air, take a moment to appreciate the magic behind this simple, yet extraordinary dish. And if you're lucky enough to have a grandma who makes her own special recipe, cherish those moments, because they are truly precious. Because for me, Amma's special recipe crispy, juicy, golden-brown, perfectly seasoned, extra crunchy, mouthwatering, finger-licking-good fried chicken is more than just food; it's a memory, a feeling, and a whole lot of love!

And that, my friends, is why fried chicken is my absolute favourite food!

P.S. I even love leftover fried chicken sandwiches! The next-day chicken is somehow even more flavourful!

P.P.S. Have you ever tried spicy fried chicken? Or honey-garlic fried chicken? Or even Korean fried chicken? There are so many delicious variations! But still, Amma's is the best.

P.P.P.S. Maybe one day I'll crack Amma's secret recipe. Wish me luck!

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