Chicken Fried Chicken is a classic Southern dish featuring crispy, golden chicken breasts paired with creamy homemade gravy. With a flavorful buttermilk batter and perfectly seasoned coating, this comforting dish is a must-try for anyone who loves fried chicken with a hearty twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: The double-dredging method ensures a crunchy, flavorful coating.
- Comfort Food Classic: Creamy gravy and juicy fried chicken make for a comforting meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend indulgence.
- Customizable: Adjust seasonings or add spices for your personal touch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 6–8 thin-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
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Oil for frying
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup reserved frying oil
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 325°F. Use enough oil to cover the chicken by a few inches.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until combined.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to create a thick coating.
- Carefully place chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.
Make the Gravy:
- In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of reserved frying oil over medium-high heat.
- Stir in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns light brown, about 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk, blending until smooth. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Pour gravy over individual chicken breasts before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Variations
- Spicy Option: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a kick.
- Herby Twist: Mix dried thyme, paprika, or parsley into the flour for added flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Butter Gravy: Use butter instead of frying oil for a richer gravy.
- Lighter Option: Bake the chicken instead of frying for a healthier twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze fried chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer for crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of thin-sliced?
Yes, but slice them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.
2. What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
3. How do I ensure the coating stays on the chicken?
Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before frying.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and dairy-free substitutes for buttermilk and butter.
5. How do I prevent the chicken from being greasy?
Drain the fried chicken on paper towels or a wire rack immediately after frying.
6. Can I make the gravy without using frying oil?
Yes, substitute the frying oil with butter or bacon grease for the roux.
7. What sides pair well with Chicken Fried Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, or coleslaw make great accompaniments.
8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
9. Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan or fryer.
10. How do I make the gravy thicker?
Cook the roux for a minute longer, or add an extra tablespoon of flour.
Conclusion
Chicken Fried Chicken is a comforting Southern classic that delivers crispy, golden chicken and a creamy, flavorful gravy. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Pair it with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to impress!
Print
Chicken Fried Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
Crispy and golden on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, this Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food! Coated in a flavorful buttermilk batter and served with creamy homemade gravy, it’s perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Schema
SEO Optimized Description
Crispy and golden on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, this Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food! Coated in a flavorful buttermilk batter and served with creamy homemade gravy, it’s perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6–8 thin-sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups all-purpose 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 large egg
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Oil for frying
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat the Oil:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet to 325°F. Add enough oil to create a depth of a few inches for frying.
2️⃣ Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3️⃣ Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
4️⃣ Dredge the Chicken:
- Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture.
- Dip it into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Return it to the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick coating.
5️⃣ Fry the Chicken:
- Fry each chicken breast for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6️⃣ Make the Gravy:
- In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of reserved frying oil over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the gravy thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7️⃣ Serve:
- Pour gravy over the fried chicken before serving.
Notes
- Alternative Gravy Base: Use butter or bacon grease instead of frying oil for the gravy.
- Chicken Options: Use thin-cut chicken breasts for quicker cooking or slice regular chicken breasts in half.
- Customization: Adjust the seasoning in the flour and gravy to suit your taste preferences.
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