Chicken Fried Chicken

Easy and delicious, this Chicken Fried Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinnertime recipe that brings the whole family to the table. With minimal ingredients, it’s a simple and comforting meal perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to weekend gatherings.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken
• Step 1: Heat the Oil
• Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
• Step 5: Fry the Chicken
• Step 6: Make the Gravy
• Step 7: Add Milk to Gravy
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken
• Classic Comfort
• Flavorful Additions
• Unique Twists
• Saucy Delights
• How to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Chicken Fried Chicken
• Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Chicken Fried Chicken?
• Can I use another type of meat?
• How do I make my Chicken Fried Chicken extra crispy?
• What sides pair well with Chicken Fried Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This Chicken Fried Chicken comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of spices and buttermilk creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will adore.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish, making it great for family dinners.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, which makes this recipe easy to whip up anytime.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Chicken Fried Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools that make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep fryer or large pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Plate lined with paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or large pan: Ensures even cooking and allows you to fry multiple pieces at once for efficiency.
• Mixing bowls: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spills or messes.
• Whisk: Helps blend liquids smoothly, ensuring your egg mixture is well combined.

Ingredients

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 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 egg
– 1 Tbs hot sauce
– Oil for frying
– 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
– 1/3 cup flour
– 2 cup milk
– Salt & pepper

How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan on the stove (a few inches deep) to 325°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1 1/2 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 Tbs hot sauce

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture. Then dip into the egg mixture before returning to the flour mixture. Press down firmly to ensure the flour sticks well.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place chicken in the pan or fryer. Fry each side for about 3–5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all pieces.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

In a large pan, add about a quarter inch of reserved frying oil. Heat over medium-high. Stir in your additional flour until absorbed; cook for about one minute.

Step 7: Add Milk to Gravy

Slowly whisk in:
2 cups milk

Continue whisking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve

Pour gravy over individual pieces of chicken before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Fried Chicken!

How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken

Serving Chicken Fried Chicken can be a delightful experience that enhances the meal’s comfort and flavor. Consider these creative serving suggestions to elevate your dish and impress your family or guests.

Classic Comfort

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a traditional side that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.
• Coleslaw – A tangy and crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the fried chicken.

Flavorful Additions

• Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob is a fantastic summer side that complements the savory chicken.
• Biscuit – Fluffy biscuits are perfect for soaking up gravy and adding a Southern touch to your plate.

Unique Twists

• Green Beans Almondine – Sautéed green beans with almonds provide a nutty flavor and a nice crunch.
• Pickles – Serve dill pickles on the side for a zesty bite that cuts through the richness of the chicken.

Saucy Delights

• BBQ Sauce – A drizzle of BBQ sauce adds a smoky sweetness that pairs well with the crispy coating.
• Hot Sauce – For those who like heat, offer hot sauce as an option to spice things up.

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How to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken

Perfecting Chicken Fried Chicken requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Here’s how you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

• Choose Thin Cuts – Using thinly sliced chicken breasts ensures even cooking and keeps the meat juicy.
• Proper Dredging Technique – Dredge twice in flour for an extra-crispy crust. Make sure to press down on the flour mixture during dredging.
• Maintain Oil Temperature – Keep oil at 325°F for perfect frying. Too hot or too cold will affect crispiness and cooking time.
• Let it Rest – Allow fried chicken to rest on paper towels after cooking. This helps maintain its crispiness by removing excess oil.
• Season Your Gravy Well – Use salt and pepper generously in your gravy for added flavor, making sure to taste as you go.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Fried Chicken can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy and cheesy, this classic dish is always a favorite among families.
2. Fried Green Tomatoes – Crispy fried green tomatoes add a unique Southern twist that complements fried chicken well.
3. Potato Salad – A chilled potato salad provides a creamy texture that balances the meal’s richness beautifully.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, making them a perfect side choice.
5. Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad offers freshness and crunch, balancing out richer flavors from the chicken.
6. Sweet Potato Fries – The sweetness of sweet potato fries contrasts nicely with savory fried chicken, creating a delicious combination.
7. Cornbread – This moist, slightly sweet bread is ideal for soaking up any leftover gravy from your plate.
8. Baked Beans – Smoky baked beans bring warmth and depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with fried dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Chicken Fried Chicken turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes you should avoid.

• Skipping the Buttermilk – Using regular milk instead of buttermilk can lead to a less flavorful and tender chicken. Stick with buttermilk for added moisture and tang.
• Overcrowding the Pan – Placing too many pieces of chicken in the pan at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches for even cooking and crispiness.
• Not Pressing the Flour Mixture – Failing to press down on the flour mixture when breading can result in a less crunchy coating. Ensure you coat thoroughly for maximum crispiness.
• Ignoring Oil Temperature – If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much grease. Use a thermometer to maintain an optimal frying temperature of 325°F.
• Rushing the Gravy – Cooking gravy too quickly can lead to lumps or a raw flour taste. Take your time to whisk and cook it slowly for a creamy finish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Chicken Fried Chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Fried Chicken

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave – Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat in short intervals until warm, being careful not to overcook.
• Stovetop – Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and re-crisp each side of the chicken for about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Fried Chicken?

Chicken Fried Chicken is a delicious take on fried chicken, featuring tender chicken breasts coated in seasoned flour and fried until crispy.

Can I use another type of meat?

While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can experiment with turkey or pork cutlets for similar results.

How do I make my Chicken Fried Chicken extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, double-dip your chicken by going back into the egg mixture after the first flour dredge before frying.

What sides pair well with Chicken Fried Chicken?

Classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or green beans complement this dish beautifully, making it perfect for family dinners.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is not only easy and delicious but also offers great versatility. You can customize it with your favorite spices or serve it with various sides. Give it a try for your next family dinner!