If you’re craving a dish that brings together irresistible crunch and tender juiciness all in one bite, then you are going to adore this Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe. This classic comfort food elevates simple chicken breasts with a perfectly seasoned crispy coating and a creamy, dreamy homemade gravy that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating its iconic flavor and texture. From the tangy buttermilk soak to the aromatic spices, these essentials ensure your chicken comes out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time.
- 6–8 thinly sliced chicken breasts: Thin slices cook quickly and ensure a tender inside with a crunchy exterior.
- 2 cups flour: The base for the crispy coating, providing that golden crust everyone loves.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps lighten the flour mix for an airy, crunchy breading.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Adds a subtle lift to the crispiness in the batter.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning throughout, enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 tsp pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the coating.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk: Tenderizes the meat and adds a slight tang to balance the fried coating.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the wet ingredients, contributing to a rich, cohesive batter.
- Hot sauce to taste: Gives the buttermilk mixture a pleasant kick — adjust based on your heat preference.
- Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for a perfectly crisp finish.
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying: Used to make the savory gravy that ties everything together.
- 1/3 cup flour for gravy: Thickens the gravy to a smooth, comforting consistency.
- 2 cups milk for gravy: Creates that velvety base for the rich, creamy topping.
- Salt and pepper for gravy: Season to taste and complete the flavor profile.
How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Frying Oil
Start by heating your oil in a deep fryer or a large heavy-bottomed pan to 325°F. Getting the temperature just right is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking the chicken inside. Use a thermometer if you have one — trust me, it makes a world of difference.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This blend of dry ingredients is what gives your chicken that unforgettable crispy and flavorful coating. Mixing these beforehand ensures an even distribution of flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. The tangy buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while the hot sauce adds a lovely subtle heat to the batter. This step is where the magic begins, infusing the meat with flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Dredge Your Chicken
Now for the fun part: dredging the chicken pieces first in the flour mixture to coat them lightly, then dunking them into the wet buttermilk mixture, and finishing with another dip into the flour mixture. This double coating method locks in moisture while creating a thick, crispy crust.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden Brown
Carefully lower each piece into the hot oil and fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the outside turns golden brown and crisp. Once cooked, place the chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil. The result is perfectly crunchy on the outside and juicy, tender meat inside.
Step 6: Make the Perfect Gravy
Use 1/4 cup of the reserved frying oil to make the gravy. Heat it in a pan, whisk in the flour until it absorbs the oil and turns pasty, then gradually add milk while whisking continuously. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This gravy is the crowning glory of your Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few cracks of black pepper over the top brightens up the dish both visually and flavor-wise. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce for those who like a bit more heat alongside that creamy gravy.
Side Dishes
Classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, or crispy fried okra complement Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe beautifully. The key is to balance the rich, fried texture with fresh or savory sides that round out the meal without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve the chicken over a bed of cheesy grits or on top of a fluffy biscuit split open and slathered with gravy. You can even turn it into a sandwich with pickles and lettuce for a satisfying lunchtime treat. The possibilities are endless and all delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers — and who doesn’t? — keep the Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispiness, try reheating it in the oven rather than a microwave.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken pieces by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
The best way to bring back that crisp exterior is by reheating in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it so the chicken doesn’t dry out. Reheat gravy gently on the stovetop to keep it silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk really helps tenderize the chicken and adds a signature tang, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
Is it possible to bake instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, bake coated chicken pieces at 425°F on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through. The texture will be less crispy but still delicious.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer to make sure your oil stays around 325°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of flour into the oil — if it bubbles and rises quickly, you’re ready to fry.
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?
You can, but cooking times will be longer and the breading may not be as uniformly crispy. Thinly sliced chicken breasts used in this Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe cook quickly and evenly, which is preferred for that iconic finish.
What can I add to the flour for extra flavor?
Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, or dried herbs in your flour mixture to tailor the flavor. Just be sure to keep the balance so it complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe is a perfect blend of crispy, juicy, and comforting all in one. It’s a dish that brings warmth to the table and smiles around it. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a cherished favorite in your kitchen as well. Trust me, once you taste it, it will become your go-to recipe for cozy, satisfying meals.
Print
Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Classic Southern-style chicken fried chicken featuring crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken breasts fried to perfection and served with a creamy homemade white gravy. A comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 6–8 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- Hot sauce to taste
- Oil for frying
Gravy
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 325°F to ensure proper frying temperature for a crispy crust and fully cooked chicken.
- Prepare dry mixture: In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create the seasoned dredge for coating the chicken.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce to make a flavorful soaking mixture for the chicken.
- Dredge chicken: Dip each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then the wet mixture, and back into the flour mixture to create a thick, crispy coating.
- Fry chicken: Fry each piece in the hot oil for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the gravy: Heat reserved frying oil in a pan over medium heat, stir in flour until absorbed and forms a roux, then gradually whisk in milk until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature around 325°F for even cooking and crispy texture.
- Use thinly sliced chicken breasts for quick cooking and better breading adherence.
- Adjust hot sauce amount to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve some cooking oil for making a flavorful gravy instead of starting fresh.
- Drain fried chicken on paper towels to avoid sogginess.
