I used to love to go to my friend, Patty’s house. Her family was the same size as mine,but the family dynamics were completely different. While our house was always a chaotic mess with many kids’ projects spread out all over the house, Patty’s house was neat and tidy. Every child had chores to do everyday. Everyone was responsible for some part of keeping the house running smoothly. Patty’s parents were very stern, but kind and much was expected from each and every household member. That would never fly in my household. Mother would rather read a book or plant a garden. Household chores would just have to wait.
Patty’s mom and dad both cooked for the family and I always felt so honored to be squeezed into a place at the family dinner table. I can remember her mom and dad frying scallops one Friday. I had never tasted anything so delicious. I always thought it would be great to be Catholic just so I could have fish on Fridays.
Sometimes Patty’s mom made stuffed cabbage or a pot roast that melted in your mouth. The one thing Patty’s mom made that I will never forget was her potato chip chicken. She made it every year for our Girl Scout mother-daughter banquet. I always told Patty that she could never leave scouts because gone would be her mom’s chicken. The first year her mom made the chicken, it went very quickly. I never got a piece. It wasn’t until the third year that I actually got to taste, not just smell that chicken. I was in heaven. Patty had called me the day of the supper and told me to get there early and go to the head of the line. Her mother was bringing a double batch. I secured my coveted piece and slid into my seat, mouth watering. It was delicious. Later Patty took me out to the kitchen and we scraped all the bits out of the pan. Patty quit scouts the following year and we drifted apart. No more visits to her well organized home and no more potato chip chicken. Sigh.
Well, here it is, I think!
PATTY’S MOM’S POTATO CHIP CHICKEN
Serves 6 (if you are lucky)
Ingredients:
1 large frying chicken cut into 8 pieces + wings
2 sticks of melted butter
1 large bag of potato chips (Patty’s mom used Wise)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375
- Crush potato chips until quite fine
- Dry the chicken pieces with a paper towel
- Dip chicken in melted butter
- Roll in potato chips
- Repeat dipping and chipping
- Place chicken pieces on a large foil lined, sprayed baking sheet
- Chicken takes about 30-35 minutes, turning once
- Get out plenty of napkins
Now in today’s world, people might use baked potato chips or low fat chips. Cape Cod lower fat chips work fine. Lite butter works pretty well, too. Some people might use oil instead of butter. You won’t get the same taste, but it all works. Don’t forget the crispy bits in the bottom of the pan.
I wonder if Patty still makes this dish
Kye
