When you hear the words “chicken fried chicken recipe,” your taste buds might leap for joy, conjuring images of crispy, golden chicken smothered in rich, creamy gravy. Just imagine the sensation of sinking your teeth into that perfectly fried crust, followed by juicy, tender meat that explodes with flavor. It’s a dish that brings warmth to the heart and a smile to the face, perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings.
This delightful chicken fried chicken recipe isn’t just about food; it’s nostalgia on a plate! I still remember the first time I tasted this dish at my grandma’s house during Sunday dinners, where laughter filled the air and everyone savored every bite. You can serve it at any occasion—from casual weeknight meals to festive gatherings—and trust me, each forkful will have everyone clamoring for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken fried chicken recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressively delicious for seasoned chefs
- The crunchy coating and savory gravy make it an irresistible comfort food classic
- It easily adapts to various sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw, making it an ideal choice for any meal
- Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as leftovers!
One Sunday dinner, my cousin’s eyes rolled back in sheer ecstasy after his first bite of my chicken fried chicken. You could say it was a hit!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts works well; adjust based on how hungry everyone is.
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All-Purpose Flour: This is key for that crispy coating; sift it to avoid lumps.
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Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture; if you’re out, mix milk with a splash of vinegar.
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Eggs: Use large eggs to help bind the flour to the chicken beautifully.
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Seasonings (Salt & Pepper): Essential for flavor; don’t skimp on this step!
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Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.
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Gravy Ingredients (Butter, Flour, Chicken Broth): Combine these for a rich and creamy sauce that elevates your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Chicken: Start by rinsing your boneless chicken breasts under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
Create Your Buttermilk Bath: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs until well combined. Allow your seasoned chicken breasts to soak in this mixture for about 30 minutes; this will ensure they remain moist during cooking.
Coat with Flour Mixture: On a plate, combine flour with additional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika if you fancy some extra zing. Remove the chicken from buttermilk and dredge it thoroughly in flour—this is where that signature crunch begins!
Heat Up That Oil!: Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering (about 350°F or 175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping a small bit of flour into the oil—if it bubbles immediately, you’re good!
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place your coated chicken breasts into the hot oil without overcrowding them. Fry each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels when done.
Make That Gravy!: In another pan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour until bubbly; gradually add in chicken broth while stirring continuously until thickened into a creamy gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Now you’re ready to serve up this mouthwatering chicken fried chicken recipe alongside your favorite sides!
Enjoy every crunchy bite topped with that luscious gravy—you’ve earned it!
You Must Know
- This chicken fried chicken recipe guarantees a crispy exterior and juicy interior
- The combination of spices and buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, elevating its flavor
- Perfect for family dinners, it brings comfort food to a whole new level with its delightful crunch and savory aroma
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight for maximum tenderness. Then, season the flour mixture well before dredging and frying at 350°F until golden brown, ensuring even cooking throughout.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap spices in the dredge to match your taste buds. Consider adding cayenne for heat or herbs like thyme for an aromatic kick that personalizes your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect chicken fried chicken, ensure your oil is hot enough for frying, which helps achieve that irresistible crunch
- Always let the chicken rest after frying to keep it juicy and flavorful
- Make sure to season every layer of your dish for maximum taste impact
Sharing my first attempt at this chicken fried chicken recipe was quite a ride! Friends raved about my crispy creation, and I learned that patience really does pay off in cooking.
FAQ
What is the best oil for frying chicken?
Canola or peanut oil works best due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
While you can use skinless chicken, bone-in skin-on yields better flavor and moisture.
How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
Chicken Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delectable chicken fried chicken recipe. Crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts are tender on the inside and smothered in rich, creamy gravy. Perfect for family dinners or cozy get-togethers, this dish brings warmth and nostalgia to your table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be serving up smiles in no time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp butter (for gravy)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups chicken broth (for gravy)
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts; season with salt and pepper.
- Whisk together buttermilk and eggs; soak the seasoned chicken for 30 minutes.
- Combine flour with additional seasonings if desired; dredge soaked chicken in the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet; fry the coated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- For the gravy, melt butter in a separate pan, whisk in flour, gradually add chicken broth until thickened; season to taste.
- Serve chicken topped with gravy alongside your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (150g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
