Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Craving a crispy, tender, and juicy chicken dish that will make your taste buds dance? Look no further than chicken fried chicken! This Southern classic combines the golden, crunchy goodness of fried chicken with the tenderness of a juicy, well-seasoned chicken breast. Often served with creamy country gravy, chicken fried chicken is perfect for family dinners, Sunday suppers, or whenever you want a delicious comfort food fix. Read on for the ultimate chicken fried chicken recipe, step-by-step instructions, tips, and more!

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What is Chicken Fried Chicken?

Chicken fried chicken is a Southern dish where boneless chicken breasts are pounded thin, seasoned, breaded, and then fried to golden perfection. The dish gets its name because it’s prepared in a similar way to chicken fried steak — another Southern favorite — which uses the same dredging and frying method. The end result is crispy, juicy chicken with a satisfying crunch, often served with mashed potatoes, biscuits, and a rich country gravy.

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Ingredients List for Chicken Fried Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crispy, delicious chicken fried chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Ingredients List for Creamy Country Gravy

The country gravy is the perfect accompaniment for chicken fried chicken. Here’s what you need:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Crumbled bacon or sausage for extra flavor

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about chicken fried chicken is how customizable it can be. You can make substitutions or adjustments to suit your dietary preferences or simply to shake things up:

• Flour alternatives: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour or a mix of rice flour and cornstarch for dredging.
• Spice level: If you prefer less heat, skip the cayenne pepper. For extra spice, add hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture or more cayenne to the flour.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of almond milk and lemon juice (1 tablespoon lemon juice per cup of almond milk) and use a dairy-free butter for the gravy.
• Gravy variations: For a richer gravy, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream, or add crumbled sausage or bacon to the gravy for extra flavor.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make crispy, golden chicken fried chicken? Follow these simple steps for a foolproof dish that will be a hit every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Pound the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it’s about ½ inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
• Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with this spice mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

• Make the flour coating: In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Prepare the wet mixture: In another shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until smooth.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

• Dredge the chicken: Working one piece at a time, dredge the seasoned chicken breasts in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
• Dip in buttermilk: Next, dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Final flour coat: Return the chicken to the flour mixture for a second coating. This double coating ensures a super crispy crust. Set the breaded chicken aside on a plate.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

• Heat the oil: In a large, deep skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil — it should sizzle and turn golden within 30 seconds.
• 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 skillet. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
• Drain and keep warm: Once fried, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Keep the chicken warm in a low oven while you fry the remaining pieces.

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

For a quick overview, here’s how you cook chicken fried chicken in easy-to-follow steps:

1. Pound and season the chicken to ensure even cooking.
2. Set up the breading station with seasoned flour and a buttermilk-egg mixture.
3. Dredge, dip, and coat the chicken for a crispy double breading.
4. Heat oil and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve hot with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, or your favorite sides.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Chicken fried chicken is simple, but here are a few common mistakes to avoid for the best results:

• Not pounding the chicken thin enough: Thinner chicken cooks more evenly and stays tender. Don’t skip this step!
• Skipping the double dredge: A single coat of flour won’t give you the crispy texture you want. Be sure to double-coat the chicken for the best crunch.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Fry in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can result in soggy chicken.
• Not using a meat thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked through, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken fried chicken is a hearty, flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with various sides. Here’s how to serve and present it for maximum appeal:

How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken

• With mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for chicken fried chicken. Don’t forget the gravy!
• Over biscuits: Serve the crispy chicken on top of buttery biscuits for a delicious Southern-style sandwich.
• With greens: Add some freshness with a side of sautéed green beans, collard greens, or a light green salad.
• As a breakfast option: Chicken fried chicken makes for an amazing breakfast when served with a fried egg on top and biscuits on the side.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Fried Chicken

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the chicken for a touch of color.
• Serve family-style: Arrange the chicken on a large platter and serve the gravy in a separate bowl or gravy boat for guests to pour over their own portions.
• Plate individually: Place one or two pieces of chicken fried chicken on each plate alongside mashed potatoes or biscuits, and drizzle gravy over the top.

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Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Tips

• Keep the oil temperature steady: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays around 350°F for consistent frying. If the oil is too hot, the crust will burn before the chicken is cooked through.
• Make-ahead tip: Bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying. This helps the coating adhere better.
• Leftovers: Leftover chicken fried chicken can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp up again.
• Freeze for later: Freeze any leftover chicken fried chicken for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crispy finish.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bake chicken fried chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake chicken fried chicken for a lighter version. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray with cooking oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness.

3. Can I make chicken fried chicken without buttermilk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle before using.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover chicken fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through to maintain the crispy texture.

5. Can I add spices to the gravy?

Absolutely! Feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne to the gravy for added flavor.

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Conclusion

Chicken fried chicken is the ultimate Southern comfort food with its crispy, golden crust and juicy, tender chicken inside. Paired with a rich, creamy country gravy, this dish is

sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or even for breakfast with eggs, chicken fried chicken is versatile, satisfying, and delicious. Give this recipe a try and enjoy one of the most comforting meals around!

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