 Fried chicken ( also referred to as Southern fried chicken for the variant in the United States ) is a dish consisting of chicken pieces usually from broiler chickens which have been <unk> or battered and then pan @-@ fried , deep fried , or pressure fried . The breading adds a crisp coating or crust to the exterior . What separates fried chicken from other fried forms of chicken is that generally the chicken is cut at the joints , and the bones and skin are left intact . Crisp well @-@ seasoned skin , rendered of excess fat , is a hallmark of well made fried chicken . 
