Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a comfort food classic that brings Southern-style crispiness with every bite, this Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is for you. Imagine perfectly seasoned, thin-sliced chicken breasts dipped in a flavorful buttermilk batter, fried to golden perfection, and served with creamy homemade gravy. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for both family dinners and gatherings. Follow our detailed guide, packed with tips and tricks to ensure every piece is crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. So, read on for the ultimate guide to making the perfect Chicken Fried Chicken at home!

What is Chicken Fried Chicken?

Chicken Fried Chicken is a Southern dish that takes a classic fried chicken recipe to the next level by coating boneless, thin-sliced chicken breasts in a spiced flour mixture, then frying them until golden brown. What makes this dish stand out is the thick, crispy coating and the tender, juicy chicken inside. It’s often served with rich country gravy, making it a dish that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients List for Chicken Fried Chicken

For the chicken:

• 6-8 thin-sliced chicken breasts: Thin-slicing the chicken ensures a quicker cooking time and allows for that perfect balance of crispy coating and juicy meat.
• 2 cups flour: This is the base for the crispy coating, creating that satisfying crunch.
• 2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the coating puff up slightly for a light, airy crunch.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Assists with leavening, contributing to a perfectly crisp and tender coating.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavoring both the chicken and the crispy coating.
• 1 teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat to balance the richness of the fried chicken.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the flavor profile with a subtle, savory depth.
• 1 ½ cup buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while adding a slight tangy flavor.
• 1 egg: The egg helps bind the buttermilk to the flour mixture, ensuring a nice, even coating.
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce: A splash of hot sauce adds a touch of heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying.

For the gravy:

• ¼ cup reserved oil from frying: This adds extra flavor to your gravy, tying the whole dish together.
• ⅓ cup flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the gravy, creating a smooth and luscious texture.
• 2 cups milk: The base of the gravy, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
• Salt & pepper to taste: Season the gravy to your preference for a balanced flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

You can make adjustments to the recipe depending on your taste preferences or dietary needs:

• Chicken breasts: Substitute with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier cut of meat.
• Flour: Gluten-free flour blends can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 ½ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a quick substitute.
• Hot sauce: Adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on your heat tolerance. If you prefer a mild flavor, you can omit it altogether.
• Spices: Experiment with adding paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for added flavor.
• Gravy: For a lighter alternative, you can skip the gravy and serve with a squeeze of lemon for a fresh, tangy contrast.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Chicken Fried Chicken can be broken down into a few easy-to-follow steps. Here’s how to make this delicious dish:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin, even pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the batter stick better.
2. Mix the Buttermilk Marinade:
   • In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until fully combined. Place the chicken breasts in the mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. This not only infuses flavor but also tenderizes the chicken.
3. Prepare the Flour Coating:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Dredge the Chicken:
   • Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, pressing the flour into the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating.
5. Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat about 1-2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
6. Make the Gravy:
   • After frying the chicken, carefully pour off most of the oil, leaving about ¼ cup in the pan. Stir in the ⅓ cup of flour, cooking over medium heat for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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

Cooking the perfect Chicken Fried Chicken requires patience and attention to detail. Follow these essential steps:

• Step 1: Ensure your chicken breasts are evenly sliced. Uneven pieces can lead to some parts being overcooked while others remain raw.
• Step 2: Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade. This step is crucial for flavor and tenderness.
• Step 3: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Step 4: Let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not marinating the chicken long enough: Marinating helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
2. Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy chicken.
3. Skipping the wire rack: Draining fried chicken on paper towels can make the coating soggy. Use a wire rack instead.
4. Not seasoning the flour enough: Always taste the flour mixture before coating the chicken to ensure it’s well-seasoned.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Fried Chicken pairs perfectly with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and coleslaw. You can also serve it on top of fluffy buttermilk biscuits for a fun twist.

How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken

• With gravy: Ladle the creamy gravy over the top of the chicken for a comforting meal.
• On a sandwich: Serve the fried chicken on a toasted bun with pickles, lettuce, and mayo for a delicious chicken sandwich.
• Family-style: Plate the chicken on a large serving platter with gravy on the side so everyone can serve themselves.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Fried Chicken

• Rustic elegance: Serve the Chicken Fried Chicken on a wooden board, paired with small bowls of sides.
• Layered presentation: Place the fried chicken on top of mashed potatoes with a drizzle of gravy for an appealing layered effect.
• Color contrast: Add bright vegetables like sautéed green beans or roasted carrots to contrast the golden chicken.

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Tips

• Use a thermometer: Both for the oil temperature and to ensure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Double-dredge for extra crispy coating: For even more crunch, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it back in the buttermilk, and coat it in flour again.
• Rest the chicken: Let the dredged chicken sit for 10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chicken Fried Chicken in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and fry it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes before serving to retain the crispiness.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Fried Chicken?
A: Absolutely! Let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for a crispy finish.

Q: How do I make sure my fried chicken isn’t greasy?
A: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying and don’t overcrowd the pan. Draining the chicken on a wire rack also helps remove excess oil.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Chicken is a delectable dish that delivers crispy, golden-fried perfection with every bite. Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or just a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe ensures restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to pair it with creamy gravy and your favorite sides for the full experience. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this mouth-watering Chicken Fried Chicken recipe. Happy cooking!

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