Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Craving the ultimate comfort food? This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken with juicy, tender meat inside—perfectly seasoned to satisfy every bite. Whether it's a family dinner or a special treat for yourself, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you cooking like a pro. Ready to learn how to make this Southern favorite? Keep reading for all the tips, tricks, and instructions to master Chicken Fried Chicken at home!

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What is “Chicken Fried Chicken”?

“Chicken Fried Chicken” is a popular Southern dish that takes boneless chicken breasts and fries them to golden perfection. It’s similar to fried chicken but typically involves thinner chicken cuts (often pounded for even thickness) coated in a well-seasoned flour mixture and fried until crispy. It’s then served with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, and biscuits. The crispy coating resembles that of chicken fried steak, which is where the name originates, giving it a nostalgic appeal to comfort food lovers.

Ingredients List for Chicken Fried Chicken

Before we get started, you'll need to gather all your ingredients for a delicious Chicken Fried Chicken. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—you likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating the chicken)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• 2 eggs (beaten, for dredging)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispy texture)

For Frying:

• 2 cups vegetable oil (or enough to cover the bottom of a large skillet)

For the Gravy (optional but highly recommended):

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken Fried Chicken can be adapted to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ways you can mix things up:

1. Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornmeal for extra crunch.
2. Dairy-Free: Replace the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk (like almond or soy milk) mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tang of buttermilk. For the gravy, use dairy-free butter and almond milk for a similar creamy texture.
3. Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your buttermilk marinade or egg mixture if you like your chicken with a kick.
4. Baked Chicken Fried Chicken: For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Place the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure crispiness on both sides.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? This recipe breaks down the cooking process so you can get crispy, delicious Chicken Fried Chicken every time. Make sure to read through the steps carefully to avoid any mistakes.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and helps prevent it from drying out. If you have large chicken breasts, you can also cut them in half.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using). Submerge the chicken breasts in the buttermilk mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor).

Step 3: Prepare the Dredging Station

Set up a dredging station with two shallow bowls: one for the beaten eggs and another for the flour and cornstarch mixture. Make sure to season the flour mixture with a little salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then dredge them thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to make sure it’s evenly coated for maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat about 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small bit of flour into the pan. If it sizzles, the oil is ready.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Fry the chicken breasts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each piece for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

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

Let’s walk through the key elements of making Chicken Fried Chicken successfully:

1. Marinating: The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. Don’t skip this step!
2. Flour Mixture: Cornstarch adds extra crispiness to the flour coating, giving you that crunchy exterior.
3. Proper Oil Temperature: Keep the oil hot enough for frying, but not too hot to avoid burning the coating before the chicken cooks through.
4. Even Cooking: Pound the chicken to an even thickness to prevent undercooking or overcooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Chicken Fried Chicken is a straightforward recipe, there are some common mistakes that can trip up beginners. Avoid these pitfalls for perfect results every time.

1. Skipping the Buttermilk Marinade: Don’t skip the marinating process. It’s essential for tender, flavorful chicken.
2. Crowding the Pan: If you crowd the pan, the chicken won’t fry evenly. Fry in batches to ensure each piece gets crispy.
3. Not Using a Thermometer: To avoid undercooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Fried Chicken is a showstopper all on its own, but how you serve and present it can elevate the dish to new heights. Consider these tips when serving this Southern classic.

How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken

Serve your Chicken Fried Chicken hot, right after frying for the best texture. Pair it with Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and biscuits. And don’t forget the gravy!

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Fried Chicken

• Classic Southern Plate: Serve Chicken Fried Chicken on a large platter with a generous ladle of gravy over the top. Add a garnish of chopped parsley for color.
• Family-Style: Arrange the chicken on a bed of mashed potatoes, with gravy served on the side for guests to pour themselves.
• Individual Plates: For a more formal presentation, plate each serving with sides neatly arranged and drizzle gravy over just half the chicken for a stylish look.

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Tips

To ensure you get the best results, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind while preparing your Chicken Fried Chicken:

• Double Dredging: For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture and then the flour one more time before frying.
• Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out. If it’s too runny, let it simmer longer to reduce.
• Rest the Chicken: Let the fried chicken rest for a couple of minutes on a wire rack after frying to preserve its crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chicken Fried Chicken ahead of time?

A: It’s best served fresh, but you can fry the chicken in advance and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain its crispiness.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Fried Chicken?

A: Yes, let the fried chicken cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q: What oil should I use for frying Chicken Fried Chicken?

A: Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil work best due to their high smoke points.

Q: Why is my Chicken Fried Chicken not crispy?

A: The oil might not be hot enough, or the chicken may have been overcrowded in the pan. Make sure to maintain proper frying temperature and fry in batches.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Chicken is an irresistible dish that’s easier to make than you might think. With just a few key ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can recreate this Southern favorite at home. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try out some of the suggested variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your apron, fire up the stove, and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of Chicken Fried Chicken!

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