Chicken Fried Chicken

Chicken Fried Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic Southern dish, promising crispy, flavorful chicken that’s sure to impress. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy exterior, paired with a rich, creamy gravy. This dish is a favorite for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a cozy weekend brunch. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the comfort and warmth it brings, reminding you of home-cooked meals and cherished memories around the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

There are countless reasons to whip up this Chicken Fried Chicken recipe in your kitchen. For starters, it’s a true crowd-pleaser; kids and adults alike can’t resist the crispy, savory goodness! This dish is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or festive occasions alike. You can serve it with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to seasonal vegetables, making it ideal for any meal.

“This recipe has transformed our family dinners! The chicken was juicy, and the gravy made it extra special. It’s definitely a new favorite!” – A Happy Home Cook

Step-by-Step Overview

Making Chicken Fried Chicken is straightforward and fulfilling. It entails preparing a delightful breading, frying succulent chicken until golden brown, and crafting a velvety gravy to pour on top. The entire process is rewarding, and the mouthwatering aroma will leave everyone eagerly awaiting dinner.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to ensure a successful cooking experience:

• 6-8 thin sliced chicken breasts
• 2 cups flour (plus 1/3 cup for gravy)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt (additional for seasoning)
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbs hot sauce (optional for a kick)
• Oil for frying
• 2 cups milk (for gravy)

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if needed. Feel free to adjust the spices to cater to your own taste preferences!

Directions to Follow

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pan on the stove until it reaches 325°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until combined.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, and then back into the flour, pressing down to ensure a thick coating.
5. Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry each piece for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once done, remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. For the gravy, heat 1/4 inch of reserved oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/3 cup flour until absorbed and cook for about a minute.
7. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously, allowing it to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the chicken with the gravy poured generously over the top.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Chicken Fried Chicken is best served hot, straight out of the skillet. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or green beans for a balanced meal. For a refreshing twist, consider a side of tangy pickles or a light salad to complement the rich flavors. A splash of hot sauce on top can provide an extra kick for those who enjoy a spicy note.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you have leftovers (though they are unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best texture. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn, and consume within 2 months.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Use a meat mallet to thin the chicken breasts evenly for quicker cooking and a juicier result.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this helps maintain the oil temperature for crispy chicken.
• Experiment with different spices in the flour mixture, like smoked paprika or cayenne, for added depth of flavor.

Creative Twists

Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the flour mixture for a unique taste. Alternatively, switch up the protein—pork chops or tofu for a vegetarian version work beautifully. For a fun twist, add grated cheese to your gravy or top the chicken with sautéed mushrooms.

Common Questions

How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation and cooking time take about 30-40 minutes in total.

Can I substitute the hot sauce?
Absolutely! You can use any favorite hot sauce or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

What’s the best way to handle leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best taste.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
While frying gives the best texture, you can bake it. Coat the chicken, place it on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that connects you to comfort food memories. It’s simple yet luxurious, making it the perfect dish to share with family and friends. Give it a try, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you try—happy cooking!

Chicken Fried Chicken

A delightful twist on the classic Southern dish, featuring crispy, flavorful chicken and rich, creamy gravy that brings comfort and warmth to your table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 6-8 pieces thin sliced chicken breasts Use a meat mallet to thin evenly.
• 2 cups flour Plus 1/3 cup for gravy.
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt Additional salt for seasoning.
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5 cups buttermilk Can substitute with regular milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice.
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tbs hot sauce Optional for extra kick.
• Oil for frying Heat oil to 325°F.

For the Gravy

• 2 cups milk For gravy.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pan on the stove until it reaches 325°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until combined.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, dip into the egg mixture, and back into the flour, pressing down to ensure a thick coating.

Cooking

1. Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry each piece for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once done, remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. For the gravy, heat 1/4 inch of reserved oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/3 cup flour until absorbed and cook for about a minute.
3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously, allowing it to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve the chicken with the gravy poured generously over the top.

Notes

Chicken Fried Chicken is best served hot with creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or green beans. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.