If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, chicken fried chicken is your answer. This delicious dish combines the best parts of fried chicken with the home-cooked heartiness of chicken-fried steak, making it a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this recipe will quickly become a go-to. Read on to discover everything you need to know about making this crispy, golden perfection right at home!
What is Chicken Fried Chicken?
Chicken fried chicken is a Southern-style dish that takes boneless chicken breasts, coats them in a seasoned flour mixture, and fries them to golden brown perfection. The name "chicken fried" comes from the cooking technique, which is similar to making chicken-fried steak—a classic American dish. It’s a tender, juicy chicken breast encased in a crispy, seasoned crust, usually served with creamy gravy.
Ingredients List for Chicken Fried Chicken
To get started on your crispy chicken fried chicken, you'll need a list of basic ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. These ingredients are essential to getting that perfect crunchy texture and succulent interior.
- 6-8 thin-sliced chicken breasts: Boneless and thin-sliced chicken breasts are best for even cooking.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the main breading for the chicken.
- 2 teaspoon baking powder: This helps give the coating a little lift and crispness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Aids in giving the fried chicken a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: To add flavor to the breading.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a subtle hint of garlic.
- 1 ½ cup buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder for the flour and seasonings.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce: Adds a bit of spice to the chicken. You can adjust this based on your spice tolerance.
- Oil for frying: Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for the best results.
For the Gravy:
- ¼ cup reserved oil from frying: Adds a rich flavor to the gravy.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy.
- 2 cups milk: For a creamy texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season the gravy to your preference.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
While the ingredients listed above are ideal for traditional chicken fried chicken, there are several substitutions and variations you can try to make the recipe suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in place of chicken breasts.
- Gluten-Free Flour: To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of almond milk and lemon juice (1 tablespoon lemon juice per cup of almond milk) for a dairy-free option.
- Spice it Up: You can increase the amount of hot sauce in the buttermilk mixture or add cayenne pepper to the flour for an extra kick.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crunchier texture, mix panko breadcrumbs with flour in the breading mixture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chicken Fried Chicken
Follow these simple steps to create crispy, golden-brown chicken fried chicken that will wow your family and friends.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them with a little salt and pepper. If your chicken breasts are not already thin-sliced, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to about ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures that they cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
In one shallow dish, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then in the buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour mixture to coat evenly. Be sure to press the flour onto the chicken so it adheres well and creates that crispy crust.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, pour in enough oil to cover about ½ inch of the bottom of the pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a pinch of flour—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil. Fry in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each piece for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Drain the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken and place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. This keeps the chicken crispy while you fry the remaining pieces.
How to Cook Chicken Fried Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
This guide provides detailed instructions for cooking chicken fried chicken from start to finish. From preparing the chicken and creating the perfect seasoned flour mix to frying and making homemade gravy, you’ll have everything you need to ensure success.
The Secret to Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken
The key to crispy chicken fried chicken lies in the double-dredging process and ensuring the oil is at the correct temperature. The first layer of flour gives the chicken an initial coating, while the second dip in buttermilk followed by more flour ensures a thick, crunchy crust. Make sure to press the flour mixture onto the chicken for maximum crispiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While chicken fried chicken is a straightforward dish, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Overcrowding the Pan: This causes the oil temperature to drop, resulting in soggy chicken. Always fry in batches.
- Not Using a Thermometer: Guessing the oil temperature can lead to undercooked or burnt chicken. A thermometer ensures the oil stays at 350°F.
- Skipping the Wire Rack: Placing fried chicken on paper towels can make it soggy. Use a wire rack to keep it crispy while draining the excess oil.
- Under-seasoning the Flour: Make sure to season the flour well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for flavorful chicken.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to chicken fried chicken, presentation is key. The crispy, golden-brown exterior deserves to be showcased!
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken
Serve chicken fried chicken with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese. A drizzle of homemade gravy over the top ties everything together.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Fried Chicken
- Stack It Up: Stack the fried chicken pieces on a platter for a dramatic presentation.
- Serve Family-Style: Place the chicken on a large platter with bowls of sides for a family-style meal.
- Gravy on the Side: Serve the gravy in a small bowl for guests to pour over their chicken as desired.
Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Oil: If you're making large batches, change out the oil halfway through frying to ensure each piece is crispy.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This allows the coating to adhere better, resulting in a crispier finish when fried.
- Reheat Leftovers: To keep the chicken crispy, reheat leftovers in the oven rather than the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake chicken fried chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, but it won’t be as crispy. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. What kind of oil is best for frying chicken?
Neutral oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best due to their high smoke point.
3. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and reheat it on the stove. Just add a splash of milk to loosen it up if it becomes too thick.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Conclusion
Chicken fried chicken is a dish that brings together the best of crispy fried chicken and Southern comfort. With its golden-brown exterior and juicy, flavorful inside, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Be sure to follow the tips and steps outlined above for the perfect result, and don’t forget to serve it with creamy gravy for that extra touch of comfort food goodness!
PrintChicken Fried Chicken Recipe
This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful buttermilk batter and fried to perfection. Served with a homemade gravy, this Southern-style comfort food is a family favorite, making use of simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and milk. Ideal for satisfying cravings, this crispy chicken dish is a must-try.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 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 ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbs hot sauce
- Oil for frying
Gravy: - ¼ cup reserved oil from frying
- ⅓ cup flour
- 2 cup milk
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer.
- Dredge chicken breasts in the flour mixture, then dip in the buttermilk mixture, and dredge again in flour.
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
- For the gravy, use reserved frying oil, stir in flour, and cook until browned. Slowly whisk in milk, then season with salt and pepper.
- Serve fried chicken with gravy.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to monitor frying oil for best results.
- Adjust seasoning to taste for both chicken and gravy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with gravy
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
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