Ever found yourself staring at a menu wondering what the heck “Maryland Chicken” actually is? You’re not alone! When I first encountered this dish I thought it might be some fancy way to cook poultry from a specific region. Turns out there’s way more to this classic American comfort food than meets the eye.
At Red Table Meats we’re obsessed with all things carnivorous, and Maryland chicken has become one of our absolute faves. So let’s break down this delicious dish together shall we?
The Basics: What Actually IS Maryland Chicken?
Maryland chicken is, at its heart, a dish consisting of crispy pan-fried chicken served with a creamy gravy. But that simple description doesn’t do justice to this regional specialty that’s been delighting taste buds for generations!
The dish typically includes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (usually thighs and drumsticks)
- A flour dredge for that perfect crisp exterior
- A cooking method that combines frying AND steaming
- A luscious white cream gravy made from the pan drippings
What makes Maryland chicken truly special is that unique cooking technique. Unlike regular fried chicken, Maryland chicken is first browned in a heavy skillet (traditionally cast-iron) and then covered tightly so the chicken steams while it continues to fry. This dual cooking method ensures juicy meat with a crispy exterior – basically the holy grail of chicken cookery!
A Brief History Lesson (Don’t Worry, It’s Tasty!)
While nobody can pinpoint exactly when Maryland chicken first appeared, it likely emerged in the 19th century. This was a practical meal for Maryland families who needed something quick, hearty, and delicious.
The dish became so popular that it even appeared on the first-class lunch menu of the Titanic on that fateful day in 1912! Yes, you read that right – Maryland chicken was literally Titanic-approved. If that doesn’t give it some serious culinary cred, I don’t know what does.
The legendary chef Auguste Escoffier even included a recipe for “Poulet sauté Maryland” in his cookbook “Ma Cuisine.” When a French culinary master embraces your regional chicken dish, you know you’ve created something special!
Regional Variations: Maryland Chicken Around the World
Here’s where things get super interesting! Maryland chicken hasn’t just stayed in Maryland – it’s traveled the world and evolved along the way.
United States
In its homeland, Maryland chicken remains closest to its roots: pan-fried chicken with cream gravy, often served with sides like mashed potatoes or cornbread.
Australia
Australians use “Chicken Maryland” to refer to a specific butcher’s cut – the whole leg including thigh and drumstick. They also have their own version of the dish featuring crumbed and deep-fried chicken served with a crumbed banana or pineapple ring and chips. This was particularly popular in Australian pubs in the 1970s.
United Kingdom
In some Chinese restaurants in the UK (especially Scotland), you’ll find Chicken Maryland on the “European” or “British” section of the menu. Their version includes a breaded, deep-fried chicken breast with bacon and banana or pineapple fritters, plus chips.
South America
In Argentina and neighboring countries, “Suprema de Pollo Maryland” consists of a pounded thin chicken breast that’s breaded and fried, served with creamed corn, peas, bacon, French fries, and a fried banana. Talk about fusion cuisine!
The Banana Connection – Wait, What?
I know what you’re thinking – “Bananas with chicken? Are you crazy?” But hear me out! The banana connection is actually a fascinating part of Maryland chicken’s history.
Traditional Maryland chicken is sometimes garnished with bananas, which might seem odd until you learn that bananas were historically one of Baltimore’s leading imports. This quirky combination reflects the port city’s trading history and has become a distinctive feature of the dish in some preparations.
How to Make Perfect Maryland Chicken at Home
Ready to try your hand at making this classic? Here’s my foolproof approach:
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons butter or lard
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream (or a mix of both)
- Optional herbs and spices (paprika, thyme, etc.)
The Method:
- Season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper
- Dredge them in flour, shaking off excess
- Heat your butter or lard in a heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium heat
- Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes per side)
- Lower the heat, cover tightly, and cook for another 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through
- Remove chicken and keep warm
- Add a tablespoon of the remaining dredging flour to the pan drippings and whisk
- Slowly add milk/cream while whisking constantly
- Simmer gently until thickened to gravy consistency
- Season to taste and serve over the chicken
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t crowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed
- Keep your heat consistent – too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat
- Whisk constantly when making gravy to avoid lumps
Serving Suggestions and Sides
Maryland chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides! Here are some classic options:
- Mashed or roasted potatoes
- Buttery biscuits or cornbread
- Coleslaw or potato salad
- Green beans or roasted veggies
- Corn fritters or hushpuppies
- Mac and cheese or baked beans
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try it with fried bananas for that authentic historical touch!
Making Maryland Chicken Your Own
One of the things we love most about Maryland chicken is how adaptable it is. Here are some ways to customize it:
- Use your favorite chicken pieces – breasts work too, though they tend to be drier
- Experiment with herbs and spices in your flour dredge (paprika, garlic powder, herbs de Provence…)
- Add mushrooms, shallots, or herbs to your gravy
- Try different cooking fats – duck fat makes for AMAZING flavor
- Make it gluten-free by using alternative flours for dredging
FAQs About Maryland Chicken
Q: What makes Maryland fried chicken different from Southern fried chicken?
A: The main differences are the cooking method (pan-fried with steaming) and the cream gravy. Southern fried chicken typically has a thicker, more seasoned coating and is deep-fried without the steaming step.
Q: Is Maryland chicken always served with bananas?
A: Nope! While bananas are a traditional garnish in some versions, they’re not essential to the dish. Many modern recipes skip them entirely.
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken?
A: You can, but bone-in, skin-on pieces will give you more flavor and moisture. If using boneless pieces, reduce the cooking time and be careful not to overcook.
Q: How do I prevent lumpy gravy?
A: The key is to add your flour to the pan drippings first, whisking until smooth, and then slowly add your milk or cream while whisking constantly. Keep the heat medium-low and don’t rush the process.
Q: Can I make Maryland chicken in advance?
A: Yes! The chicken can be made ahead and reheated, though the skin may lose some crispness. The gravy can also be made ahead and gently reheated, though you may need to add a splash of milk to thin it out.
The Bottom Line
Maryland chicken is more than just another fried chicken recipe – it’s a delicious piece of culinary history that’s traveled from humble American kitchens to the dining rooms of luxury ocean liners and across continents. Its ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining its essential character is what makes it such a fascinating dish.
Whether you stick with the traditional preparation or put your own spin on it, Maryland chicken offers that perfect combination of crispy exterior, tender meat, and rich, creamy gravy that makes comfort food so satisfying.
So next time you’re in the mood for something a little different from your usual chicken dinner, give Maryland chicken a try. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!
Have you tried making Maryland chicken? What’s your favorite way to serve it? Drop us a comment below – we’d love to hear about your experiences with this classic dish!
At Red Table Meats, we’re passionate about bringing you the best information about all things meat-related. Check out our other articles for more culinary inspiration and cooking tips!
