Craving crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned fried chicken? You’re in the right place! This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite, offering a crunchy exterior with tender, flavorful chicken inside. Follow along for tips, tricks, and step-by-step instructions to make the best Chicken Fried Chicken you've ever tasted! From the ingredients to cooking tips and presentation, we’ve got it all covered—so let’s get started!
What is Chicken Fried Chicken?
Chicken Fried Chicken is a comfort food classic, known for its crispy coating and tender, juicy chicken. It’s very similar to traditional fried chicken, but the name typically refers to boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are breaded and fried until golden and crispy. This dish is often served with gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients List for Chicken Fried Chicken
To make delicious Chicken Fried Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Buttermilk: Acts as a tenderizer and adds flavor to the chicken. It helps the breading stick better too.
- Eggs: Whisked eggs help bind the breading to the chicken, creating a thick, crunchy crust.
- All-Purpose Flour: The main component of the breading. For extra crunch, consider mixing in some cornstarch.
- Cornstarch: Adds a lighter, crispier texture to the breading when mixed with flour.
- Baking Powder: Helps the breading puff up slightly and become even crispier.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth and a slight garlicky flavor to the breading.
- Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder and gives the breading extra flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the breading.
- Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
- Optional Gravy: Southern-style white gravy or brown gravy makes the perfect accompaniment to Chicken Fried Chicken.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Options: If you don’t have chicken breasts, chicken thighs can also be used. Thighs are more flavorful and remain juicy during frying.
- Buttermilk Substitution: No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Flour Variations: You can use gluten-free flour if you're sensitive to gluten, and almond flour for a low-carb option.
- Spices: Feel free to play around with the seasonings. Add cayenne pepper for some heat, or swap in smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Air Fryer Option: Want to make this a bit healthier? Try air frying the chicken for a lower-fat alternative that’s still crispy.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to achieve crispy, golden Chicken Fried Chicken.
- Pound the Chicken Breasts: Start by placing the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a ziplock bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, a pinch of salt, and some black pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for maximum tenderness.
- Prepare the Breading: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, place the seasoned flour mixture. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake off excess liquid.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and finally back into the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure a thick coating.
- Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet, heat about an inch of oil to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature using a thermometer or by dropping a small piece of bread in the oil—it should sizzle and turn golden brown within a minute.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Drain the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Gravy (Optional): If you’re making gravy, use some of the oil from the pan (about 2 tablespoons) to make a roux. Add flour, whisk until smooth, then slowly whisk in milk or chicken broth to create a thick, creamy gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Cook Chicken Fried Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Pound chicken to an even thickness.
- Step 2: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk.
- Step 3: Mix up your flour and seasoning blend.
- Step 4: Set up your breading station: flour, eggs, and flour again.
- Step 5: Heat your oil to the perfect frying temperature (350°F).
- Step 6: Fry until golden and crispy, and let the chicken drain on a rack.
- Step 7: Serve with optional gravy or your favorite sides.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Pounding the Chicken: If you skip this step, the chicken may cook unevenly, leading to overcooked or undercooked sections.
- Skipping the Buttermilk Marination: The buttermilk adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. Don’t rush this step!
- Not Using Enough Seasoning: Seasoning the flour and chicken is key to a flavorful dish. Don’t be shy with the salt and spices.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too much chicken at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to greasy and soggy chicken. Fry in batches if needed.
- Not Letting the Oil Heat Up: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and won’t be crispy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Chicken Fried Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a feast for the eyes as well! Here are a few serving and presentation tips:
- Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw for a classic southern meal. Biscuits and gravy are also great additions.
- Sauces: Besides gravy, consider honey mustard, hot sauce, or even a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and flavor to the plate.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken
- Family Style: Place the fried chicken on a large platter and serve it family-style at the dinner table. This is perfect for casual dinners.
- Individual Plates: Serve each person their own plate with a piece of chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, and veggies for a more formal presentation.
- Gravy Boat: If serving gravy, present it in a gravy boat on the side so everyone can pour their desired amount.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Fried Chicken
- Rustic Platter: Serve the chicken on a wooden cutting board or a large rustic platter for a farmhouse-style presentation.
- Elevated Look: For a more upscale presentation, stack the chicken breast on top of mashed potatoes, drizzle with gravy, and add a sprig of rosemary for garnish.
- Casual: For a laid-back vibe, serve in a basket lined with parchment paper alongside fries or onion rings.
Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Tips
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F internally for safe eating.
- Double Dip for Extra Crunch: Double-dipping the chicken in the flour-egg-flour mixture creates an extra thick, crunchy coating.
- Drain on a Rack: Instead of paper towels, use a wire rack to drain the chicken. This helps it stay crispy and prevents sogginess.
- Let It Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful version of this recipe.
Q: Can I make Chicken Fried Chicken in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, spray the chicken with oil, and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: What oil is best for frying?
A: Use a neutral oil with a
high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve mastered the art of Chicken Fried Chicken, you’re ready to wow your family and friends with this deliciously crispy, tender dish. Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to try out the variations and serving ideas to make the meal your own. Enjoy your perfectly crispy Chicken Fried Chicken!
PrintChicken Fried Chicken Recipe
This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy breading. Simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and spices make for a crunchy, flavorful fried chicken that's quick and easy to prepare. Serve it with creamy gravy or your favorite sides for the ultimate comfort meal.
Keywords: chicken fried chicken, crispy fried chicken, easy chicken recipe, Southern fried chicken, comfort food
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Flatten chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- In a bowl, mix flour with spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika).
- Whisk eggs and milk in another bowl.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat again with flour.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before frying.
- Ensure oil is hot enough to avoid greasy chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620
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