Have you ever bitten into a piece of fried chicken that was crispy on the surface but wonderfully juicy inside? The sort that makes you close your eyes and enjoy every bite? If you’re craving that golden, crunchy perfection, then you’re in for a treat.
Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken, seasoned just right, coated in a perfectly crispy crust, and served with creamy country gravy.
Sounds delicious, right? Let’s dive into how you can make this definitive dish at home with simple ingredients and easy steps.
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What is Chicken Fried Chicken?
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s clear up any confusion. You might be wondering—what exactly is Chicken Fried Chicken? Doesn’t that sound a lot like chicken fried steak?
That’s because the two meals are prepared using a similar method. In essence, chicken fried chicken is a skinless, boneless breast of chicken that has been pounded thin, covered in seasoned flour, fried till golden brown, and usually served with white gravy.
Unlike traditional fried chicken, which is often bone-in, this dish cooks quickly and has a tender, juicy bite every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Crispy and flavorful: The buttermilk marinade and seasoned coating make each bite packed with flavor.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this is a great dish for beginners.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, Chicken Fried Chicken is always a hit.
- Pairs well with so many sides: Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits—there’s no wrong way to serve it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the best Chicken Fried Chicken, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, making this a budget-friendly meal.
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half to make four pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, but adds a nice kick)
For the Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (enough for frying, about 2 inches deep in a skillet)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken Fried Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
To achieve exquisitely tender chicken, place each breast between two pieces of plastic wrap.
Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them to about 1/2-inch thickness. This procedure guarantees consistent cooking and leaves the chicken exceptionally juicy.
2. Marinate for Maximum Flavor
In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce. Coat the chicken pieces completely by placing them in the mixture.
Place them in the fridge for at least half an hour or overnight if possible. The buttermilk benefits tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy depth of flavor.
3. Make the Seasoned Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. To provide a uniform layer of seasoning, thoroughly mix.
4. Coat the Chicken
Take each bit of marinated chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture. To make the coating thick and uniform, press the flour onto the chicken.
Dredge the chicken in the flour one more and dip it back into the buttermilk mixture for more crunch. The crust gets crunchier when you use this double-dipping method.
5. Fry to Perfection
In a large skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a little flour into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
Carefully arrange the chicken pieces in the heated oil, cooking in batches to prevent overcrowding.
Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until the crust is golden brown and the interior temperature reaches 165°F. To drain excess oil, transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. You can use an air fryer if you are health conscious.
6. Make the Country Gravy
While the chicken rests, prepare the gravy. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until golden brown.
Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the gravy thickens, then season with salt and pepper as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Fried Chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve it with a generous drizzle of country gravy and classic Southern sides like:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttery biscuits
- Steamed green beans
- Mac and cheese
- Cornbread
Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Chicken
- Use buttermilk for tenderness: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
- Pound the chicken thin: This helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches so each piece gets crispy.
- Rest the chicken before serving: This allows the juices to settle and keeps them moist.
Final Thoughts
It’s not as hard as you may think to make chicken fried chicken at home, and the results are worth the effort. With each bite, the dish’s crunchy outside and juicy interior provide comfort.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this Southern classic is guaranteed to impress. So take out your skillet, make some gravy, and savor a home-cooked supper that rivals any restaurant’s!
Are you ready to make the best Chicken Fried Chicken? Try this recipe, and let us know how it turns out!
