If you’re craving a comforting dish that brings crunchy, crispy, and juicy all on one plate, the Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe is the perfect answer. This Southern-inspired classic elevates simple chicken breasts into a golden masterpiece full of flavor and soul. The magic comes from a perfectly seasoned flour coating, a tender buttermilk marinade with a hint of heat, and a creamy, dreamy gravy that ties every bite together. Whether it’s a lazy weekend dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building that irresistible texture and rich flavor. From the tender chicken breasts to the spices and the creamy buttermilk bath, every item contributes to a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
- Thinly sliced chicken breasts: The star of the dish – slicing thin ensures quick, even cooking and juicy tenderness.
- Flour: Provides the crispy, golden crust that everyone loves.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents add a light, airy crunch to the coating.
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: The essential seasonings that boost flavor without overpowering.
- Buttermilk: The secret to tenderizing the chicken and adding a subtle tang.
- Egg: Binds the coating to the chicken, ensuring it sticks and crisps up nicely.
- Hot sauce: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the buttermilk marinade.
- Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to achieve that perfect golden color.
- Reserved oil from frying: Used to make the rich, velvety gravy that’s essential for serving.
- Additional flour and milk for gravy: These create the warm, creamy topping that complements the crispy chicken.
- Salt and pepper for gravy: Balanced seasoning round out the finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oil
Start by heating your oil to a steady 325°F in a deep fryer or a large, heavy pan. Maintaining the right temperature is key; it ensures your chicken fries up crispy without absorbing too much oil or burning. You’ll want enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces for even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This flavorful flour blend creates the perfect crust and infuses the chicken with that classic Southern charm. The baking powder and soda help give the coating that light, crackly texture you’ll adore.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture
Grab another bowl and combine the buttermilk with the egg and your preferred amount of hot sauce. This wet bath not only imparts tang and moisture but also gives a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Dredge Twice, Fry Once
This step is the heart of the Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe. Take each thin chicken breast and first coat it in the dry flour mixture, then dip it in the buttermilk mixture, and finally in the flour again. This double dredging seals in moisture and creates that iconic crunchy exterior you love.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 3 to 5 minutes per side until they reach a stunning golden brown. The chicken should be cooked through but still juicy inside. Once done, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil while keeping the crust crispy.
Step 6: Whip Up the Creamy Gravy
Don’t toss that reserved frying oil! Pour about 1/4 cup of it into a pan over medium heat, then whisk in 1/3 cup of flour. Stir until the mixture absorbs the oil and forms a roux. Slowly add 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly until thick and creamy. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. This rich sauce is the perfect finishing touch, making every bite heavenly.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or finely sliced green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, crispy chicken and velvety gravy. For an extra touch of comfort, freshly cracked black pepper on top is always a winner.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes are a match made in heaven with this Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe, especially when smothered with the creamy gravy. Southern-style collard greens, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp, tangy coleslaw also make excellent accompaniments to round out your plate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this homestyle favorite into a crowd-pleaser by plating the chicken over creamy grits or serving it alongside fluffy biscuits for a real Southern feast. You can also chop the fried chicken and toss it in a warm salad with roasted veggies—it’s comfort food with a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe, store the pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Keeping the gravy in a separate container will prevent the chicken from getting soggy.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Wrap each fried chicken piece individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. Keep the gravy separate for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F and place the chicken pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Heat for 15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy on the outside. Reheat the gravy gently on the stove, stirring often to keep it smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative because they stay juicy and add a bit more richness, though you may need to adjust the frying time slightly since thighs can be thicker.
Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?
Buttermilk is important because it tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk.
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
Double dredging the chicken, as this recipe instructs, is key for crispiness. Also, maintaining the oil at the right temperature ensures the coating crisps quickly without absorbing too much oil.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While you can bake it for a healthier option, the Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe shines with frying because the oil produces that signature golden crust. For baking, use a wire rack and spray the chicken with oil to help it crisp up.
What should I serve with Chicken Fried Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, green beans, corn, or biscuits. These sides help balance the meal and keep it comforting and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring a little Southern comfort into your kitchen, the Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe is a joyful way to do it. Crispy, flavorful, and dressed with that gorgeous gravy, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug. Don’t hesitate to try it—you’ll find it quickly becomes one of your favorite go-to meals for both family dinners and special occasions!
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Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Chicken Fried Chicken is a classic Southern comfort food dish featuring thinly sliced chicken breasts that are double-dredged in a seasoned flour and buttermilk mixture, then fried to golden perfection. This recipe is served with a creamy homemade gravy made from the oil rendered during frying, flour, and milk, making for a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 6–8 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- Hot sauce to taste
- Oil for frying (enough for deep frying)
Gravy
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large high-sided pan to 325°F (163°C), preparing it for deep frying the chicken.
- Prepare dry mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly combined to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce to make the wet batter for dipping the chicken.
- Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken breast slice first in the dry flour mixture, then dip it into the wet buttermilk mixture, and finally coat it again thoroughly with the dry flour mixture. This double-dredging ensures a crispy crust.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place the dredged chicken pieces into the heated oil and fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Make the gravy: In a separate pan, heat the 1/4 cup of reserved frying oil. Stir in the 1/3 cup of flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is absorbed and slightly browned. Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature remains steady at 325°F for evenly cooked, crispy chicken.
- Using thinly sliced chicken breasts helps the chicken cook quickly and stay tender.
- The double dredge method is key to achieving a crunchy crust.
- Adjust hot sauce in the wet batter according to preferred spice level.
- Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
- Serve immediately with freshly made gravy for the best taste experience.
