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 suitable for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. The crispy coating paired with creamy gravy makes it a standout dish everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Chicken Fried Chicken can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Family Favorite: The combination of crispy chicken and savory gravy will please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
- Minimal Ingredients: With only a few simple ingredients required, you can whip this dish up without a trip to the store.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it on its own or serve with sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a complete dinner experience.
- Comfort Food Classic: This recipe brings back memories of home-cooked meals, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create this Chicken Fried Chicken.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep fryer or large pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep fryer or large pan: Essential for ensuring even cooking and achieving that perfect crispy texture.
- Mixing bowls: Helps in keeping your ingredients organized while preparing the flour mixture and wet batter.
- Whisk: Ideal for thoroughly combining ingredients without clumps, especially when mixing the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
Ingredients
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 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbs hot sauce
For Frying and Gravy
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups 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. This ensures your chicken will fry evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until combined. This mixture adds flavor and moisture to the chicken.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture first. Then dip it into the egg mixture before returning it to the flour mixture again. Press down firmly to ensure an even coating.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place chicken pieces in the pan or deep fryer. Fry each side for about 3–5 minutes until golden brown. Remove them from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
In a large pan, add 1/4 inch of reserved oil from frying over medium-high heat. Stir in your remaining flour until fully absorbed and cook for about 1 minute.
Step 7: Add Milk to Thicken
Slowly add in your milk while whisking continuously until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve It Up!
Pour gravy generously over individual pieces of chicken before serving. Enjoy this delightful Chicken Fried Chicken with your favorite sides!
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken
Chicken Fried Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many delicious ways. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal and impress your guests.
With Homemade Gravy
- Rich and creamy: Pour the homemade gravy over the crispy chicken for an indulgent touch that complements the flavors perfectly.
On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes
- Comfort food classic: Serve your Chicken Fried Chicken atop fluffy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal that fills you up.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Healthy balance: Pairing the fried chicken with lightly steamed veggies adds freshness and color to your plate while keeping things nutritious.
In a Sandwich
- Savory delight: Place the chicken between two slices of bread with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a delicious sandwich option.
Alongside Coleslaw
- Crispy crunch: A side of coleslaw provides a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that balances the richness of the fried chicken.
With Cornbread
- Southern charm: Serve your Chicken Fried Chicken with warm cornbread for a true Southern experience that is hard to resist.
How to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken
To make sure your Chicken Fried Chicken is perfectly crispy and flavorful, follow these helpful tips.
- Choose the right oil: Use oils with high smoke points, like peanut or canola oil, to achieve that ideal crispiness without burning.
- Let the chicken rest: After frying, allow the chicken to rest on paper towels; this helps maintain its crunch by absorbing excess oil.
- Check oil temperature: Ensure your frying oil is at 325°F before adding chicken; this ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.
- Double dip for extra crunch: For an extra crispy coating, double dip the chicken in flour after dipping it in the egg mixture.
- Season liberally: Don’t skimp on seasoning in both the flour and gravy; this enhances flavor throughout the dish.
- Use buttermilk: Marinating your chicken in buttermilk not only tenderizes it but also adds flavor depth before frying.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Fried Chicken can elevate the meal and create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds add a fresh crunch.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad brings comfort and complements the fried chicken’s flavors beautifully.
- Fried Okra: Crispy fried okra offers an additional Southern touch that’s both delicious and fun to eat.
- Biscuits: Soft, buttery biscuits are perfect for soaking up gravy and adding warmth to the meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Cheesy mac adds richness and is a favorite among kids and adults alike.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob grilled or boiled makes for a sweet contrast to savory fried chicken.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts provide an earthy flavor that pairs well with rich dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Make your Chicken Fried Chicken even better by steering clear of these common pitfalls.
- Skipping the Buttermilk: Don’t omit buttermilk as it tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor. Always use it for the best results.
- Not Heating Oil Properly: Ensure your oil is at 325°F before frying. If it’s too hot or not hot enough, the chicken won’t cook evenly.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many chicken pieces at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches for a crispy coating.
- Inconsistent Coating: Make sure to press the flour mixture onto the chicken thoroughly. A good coating helps achieve that perfect crunch.
- Ignoring Gravy Seasoning: Taste your gravy before serving! Adjust salt and pepper to ensure it complements your Chicken Fried Chicken perfectly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Chicken Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
- It can stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chicken Fried Chicken
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Frozen Chicken Fried Chicken is best used within 2 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover with a paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. This may make the coating less crispy.
- Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and warm each side for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Chicken Fried Chicken, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries answered.
How can I make my Chicken Fried Chicken extra crispy?
To achieve ultimate crispiness, double-dip your chicken in flour after dipping it in the egg mixture. This creates a thicker crust that fries beautifully.
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes! While it’s traditionally made with chicken breasts, you can use thighs or even pork chops for a delightful twist on this classic dish.
What is the best way to serve Chicken Fried Chicken?
Chicken Fried Chicken is delicious on its own but pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a complete meal.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick dinner option!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the chicken by breading it earlier in the day and refrigerating it until you’re ready to fry.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fried Chicken is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Its crispy exterior and juicy interior make it a family favorite. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite spices or serving it with different sides. Enjoy this comforting dish tonight!
Chicken Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Chicken Fried Chicken is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining tender chicken breast with a crispy, golden coating and topped with creamy gravy. This quick dinnertime recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, offering comfort and flavor that everyone will love. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that warms the soul and brings loved ones together at the table. Whether served over mashed potatoes or nestled in a sandwich, this dish is sure to become a household staple.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 Tbs hot sauce
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour for gravy
- 2 cups milk
- Salt & pepper for gravy
Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 325°F.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture for even coating.
- Fry chicken pieces for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- For gravy: Use reserved oil to cook flour until golden, then whisk in milk until thickened. Season to taste.
- Serve chicken with gravy poured over it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
