Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Craving some comfort food? This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Whether you're new to frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Read on for a detailed guide on how to make the best Chicken Fried Chicken at home, complete with tips, tricks, and variations to suit your taste.

What is Chicken Fried Chicken?

"Chicken Fried Chicken" is a classic Southern dish that features a tender, seasoned chicken breast that's been coated in a flavorful breading and fried until golden and crispy. It's similar to chicken-fried steak, which is traditionally made with beef, but in this case, the star of the dish is chicken. The fried chicken is often served with creamy gravy and paired with comforting sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread.

Now, let’s dive into the specifics of making this irresistible meal!

Ingredients List for Chicken Fried Chicken

To make Chicken Fried Chicken, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Breading:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk

For Frying:

• 3 to 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying, such as canola or peanut oil)

Optional for Gravy (optional but recommended):

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (use the leftover flour from the breading)
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Buttermilk Substitution: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 2 cups of regular milk with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and you have a tangy buttermilk substitute.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the breading. You can add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor, or kick up the heat with more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for frying.
• Oven-Fried Version: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken in flour and seasoning, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken and add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure each chicken breast is well-coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. This step helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

2. Prepare the Breading

In one shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a separate shallow dish, whisk the eggs and milk until well combined.

3. Bread the Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it is completely coated. Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, and then back into the flour for a second coating. This double breading ensures extra crispy fried chicken.

4. Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small bit of flour into the oil – if it sizzles, it’s ready to go!

5. Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, frying 2-3 pieces at a time depending on the size of your pan. Fry for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

6. Make the Gravy (Optional)

While the chicken is resting, you can make a quick gravy. In the same skillet, remove all but about 2 tablespoons of oil. Stir in ¼ cup of leftover flour from the breading mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Cook Chicken Fried Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Chicken Fried Chicken at home can seem daunting, but with the right steps and tips, it’s easy! Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Soak the chicken in seasoned buttermilk to tenderize and flavor the meat.
2. Double Breading: Dip the chicken in seasoned flour, then egg, and flour again to ensure extra crispy results.
3. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Rest and Drain: Let the chicken rest on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
5. Optional Gravy: Make a simple gravy using the leftover flour and pan drippings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking Chicken Fried Chicken, and how to avoid them:

• Not marinating the chicken: Skipping the buttermilk marinade means missing out on flavor and tenderness.
• Frying at the wrong temperature: Too hot, and the outside will burn while the inside stays raw. Too cold, and the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy chicken.
• Not letting the chicken rest: Resting helps the coating stay crispy and allows the juices to redistribute.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Fried Chicken is delicious on its own, but presentation and serving ideas can elevate the dish even further.

How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken

• Traditional: Serve the Chicken Fried Chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans for a true Southern meal.
• With a Twist: You can serve it with mac and cheese, collard greens, or even on top of a salad for a lighter meal.
• On a Sandwich: For a different spin, sandwich the fried chicken between two soft buns with pickles and a spread of mayo for a delicious Chicken Fried Chicken sandwich.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Fried Chicken

• Rustic Charm: Serve the fried chicken on a wooden board or cast iron skillet for a rustic, homey feel.
• Plated Elegance: For a more formal presentation, arrange the fried chicken on a platter with garnishes like fresh herbs or lemon wedges.
• Southern Style: Serve the chicken family-style, with sides of gravy, cornbread, and collard greens placed around the table for everyone to share.

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to make sure your Chicken Fried Chicken turns out perfect every time:

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F.
• Rest Before Frying: After breading the chicken, let it rest for 10 minutes to help the coating adhere.
• Try Peanut Oil: For extra flavor, try frying the chicken in peanut oil, which has a high smoke point and adds a subtle nutty taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but they may take longer to cook through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover Chicken Fried Chicken can be reheated in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness, or you can chop it up and use it in a salad or sandwich.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying or use an air fryer for a similar crispy texture with less oil.

Can I freeze Chicken Fried Chicken?

Yes! Once cooked and cooled, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Conclusion

This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful, and juicy fried chicken. It’s a Southern classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. With easy-to-follow steps and plenty of variations, you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start cooking. Enjoy!

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