Chicken Fried Chicken (Crispy, Juicy, and Irresistible Comfort Food!)

This Chicken Fried Chicken: What is the best way to serveWhat do you love about Southern comfort food? What’s better than chicken fried steak? Serve it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or green beans for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why do people love chicken fried chicken?

• Crispy and Golden: The seasoned crust is perfectly crunchy, giving every bite a satisfying crunch.
• Juicy Chicken:Marinating chicken keeps it tender and full of flavor.
• Simple Ingredients:What are some pantry staples that come together to make this classic dish?
• Family-Friendly:What is a meal that both kids and adults will love?
• What is comfort food? Serve with creamy gravy for the ultimate Southern experience.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Served with a side salad.(pounded to even thickness) (pounded to even thickness)
• 2 cups (480ml) buttermilk
• 1 tspHot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1 12 cups (180g / 0.4 lb): 1 12 cups (180g / all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Gravy

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts and make sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) for extra tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Station

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoned flour gives the chicken its crust.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the flour into the chicken to ensure a thick, crispy coating. For an extra crispy crust, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture again.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat 12 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
2. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbling.
2. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

1. What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken fried chicken?

Notes

• Make It Spicy: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for extra heat.
• Air Fryer Option:Spray the breaded chicken with oil and cook in an air fryer for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Storage Tips:Can you store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days?
• Freeze It:What is the best way to fry chicken from frozen?

What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?What are the best ways to cook chicken thighs?What is the best way to reheat chicken?
Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk?If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.How do I make gravy ahead of time?Is it safe to reheat milk on the stovetop and whisk in a little extra milk if it thickens too much?What other seasonings can I use?How do you add oregano, oregano, or chili powder to the flour mixture?

Tips and Notes

• My Tip:For a crispy crust, double-dredge the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
• Pro Trick: Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying—this helps the coating stick better.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with buttery mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans for the ultimate Southern meal.

Variations

• Honey Butter Chicken: What are some of the best recipes Drizzle with honey butter instead of gravy for a sweet twist.
• Chicken Fried Chicken Sandwich: What is a good sandwich?Serve fried chicken on a toasted bun with pickles and slaw.
• Herbed Gravy:Add chopped herbs to the gravy for a fresh flavor.
• What is Buffalo Fried Chicken?What is the best way to serve fried chicken with ranch dressing?
• Gluten-Free Option:Use gluten-free flour for breading to accommodate dietary needs.
  

  What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

  Can I make fried chicken ahead of time?

  Can you make this recipe ahead of time? The breaded chicken can be breaded and frozen on a baking sheet then transferred to a freezer bag for up to a month. Fry the chicken directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. The gravy can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Is it safe to reheat milk on the stovetop?

  What are some good substitutions for chicken fried chicken?

  If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar; let it sit for 5 minutes before using. For the flour, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option. While not a direct substitute, you can also experiment with different types of oil for frying; Can you substitute cornstarch for all-purpose flour in the dredging mixture?

  How do you know if a chicken fried chicken is perfectly cooked?

  The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which can be confirmed with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. Visually, the crust should be a deep golden brown color, and the chicken should be firm to the touch. The chicken should be cooked all the way through, and there should be no pinkness visible inside.

  Can I double this chicken fried chicken recipe?

  Can you easily double or scale up this recipe? Is it necessary to fry chicken in a large skillet? Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the number of batches.

  What are the nutritional benefits of chicken fried chicken?

  This recipe provides a good source of protein from the chicken breasts, essential for muscle building and repair. The buttermilk adds calcium, important for bone health. The frying process adds some fat, and the gravy adds carbohydrates and additional fats. The recipe also contains vitamins and minerals from the spices and seasonings used. Can you serve green beans with mashed potatoes?