If you’ve ever craved a dish that wraps you in warm, crispy comfort and packs a flavorful punch, then this Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine perfectly thin chicken breasts dipped in a savory blend of spices and buttermilk, fried until golden and crispy, then smothered in rich, creamy homemade gravy. It’s a soul-satisfying meal that combines the crunchy, tender textures and bold, familiar flavors you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, everyday staples, but each one plays a crucial role to bring incredible flavor, perfect texture, and that inviting golden color you crave in this Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe.
- 6–8 thinly sliced chicken breasts: The star of the dish, sliced thin to ensure quick frying and tender bites every time.
- 2 cups flour: The essential base for the crispy coating that locks in the chicken’s juiciness.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the crust puff up and become irresistibly light and crunchy.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Adds a little extra lift to that crispy coating, ensuring it’s not too dense.
- 1 tsp salt: A key seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1 tsp pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the breading mixture.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Delivers savory warmth and complexity to every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang that balances the richness.
- 1 egg: Binds the buttermilk mixture for perfect adhesion to the chicken.
- Hot sauce to taste: Provides a kick of flavor in the marinade that keeps the taste buds engaged.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect golden crust without burning.
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying for gravy: Utilizes flavorful drippings to build a luscious gravy.
- 1/3 cup flour for gravy: Thickens the gravy to just the right creamy consistency.
- 2 cups milk for gravy: Creates a rich, velvety base for the sauce.
- Salt and pepper for gravy: Final seasonings that bring the whole dish together.
How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Frying Oil
Start by heating oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pan until it reaches 325°F. This temperature is perfect for achieving that crisp golden crust without overcooking the chicken. Make sure to use a thermometer for accuracy—perfect frying depends on the right heat!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This flavorful flour blend forms the crunchy coating that makes this Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe so addictive. The leavening agents are little helpers that make the breading light and crisp, rather than heavy and dense.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, egg, and your chosen amount of hot sauce. This mixture tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture and a subtle tangy kick that balances the savory spices.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Take each chicken breast slice and first coat it generously with the dry flour mixture. Then dip it into the wet buttermilk and egg mix, letting the excess drip off. Finally, dredge it again in the flour mixture for that double coating—this is the secret to doubling down on crunch and flavor.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place each breaded piece into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. When done, transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. The result is tender chicken encased in a satisfyingly crispy shell that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
Preserve 1/4 cup of the frying oil and heat it in a pan over medium heat. Stir in 1/3 cup flour and cook until absorbed and golden, creating a flavorful roux. Slowly whisk in 2 cups milk and cook until thickened and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This gravy takes the Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe to a whole new level of comfort food bliss.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that contrast beautifully with the rich, crispy chicken and creamy gravy. Adding a lemon wedge on the side can brighten up the flavors with a little zesty squeeze.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes are the ultimate companion for this Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe, making for a heartwarming, well-rounded meal. Crispy green beans or steamed broccoli provide a crisp, healthy balance that cuts through the richness. For a Southern-inspired feast, serve with buttered corn or creamy coleslaw.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your presentation, slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of creamy grits or fluffy rice with gravy drizzled on top. For casual gatherings, pile the crispy chicken on soft biscuits and drizzle with gravy for irresistibly indulgent open-faced sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Properly stored, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy the magic of this Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe without cooking from scratch every time.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze cooked chicken pieces on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, frozen fried chicken keeps for up to 2 months and can be a lifesaver for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness without drying it out. Reheat the gravy gently on the stove while stirring to keep it smooth and creamy, bringing back that fresh-made taste you’ll love.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! While buttermilk adds a nice tang and helps tenderize the chicken, you can substitute it by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This creates a good buttermilk substitute for the Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best. They ensure a crisp, golden crust without imparting unwanted flavors or burning at high temperatures.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when the crust is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F. Thin slices cook faster but checking ensures perfect juiciness every time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for frying, and make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, the Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe remains crispy and delicious.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I omit the hot sauce?
Definitely! The hot sauce adds a subtle kick, but leaving it out won’t compromise the overall flavor. You’ll still enjoy the rich, savory profile that makes this recipe so comforting.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe is a true culinary hug, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply treating yourself to something soul-satisfying. With its crispy coating, tender meat, and creamy gravy, it’s a meal that brings pure joy in every bite. So, grab those simple ingredients and dive into making this classic dish your own—you won’t regret it!
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Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Chicken Fried Chicken is a classic Southern comfort food featuring tender chicken breasts dredged in a seasoned flour and buttermilk batter, fried to golden perfection, and served with a creamy, homemade white gravy. This dish offers a satisfying crunch with rich flavor, perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 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
- Hot sauce to taste
- Oil for frying (about 4 cups, enough for deep frying)
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pan to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for frying the chicken. Maintaining this temperature is important to achieve a crispy coating without burning.
- Prepare Dry Mixture: In one bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. This seasoned flour mixture forms the crispy crust of the chicken.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In another bowl, beat together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce according to taste, which will help to tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
- Dredge the Chicken: Dip each thinly sliced chicken breast first into the dry flour mixture, then into the wet buttermilk mixture, and then back into the dry flour mixture to create a double coating for extra crispiness.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Gravy: In a pan, heat the reserved 1/4 cup of frying oil over medium heat. Stir in 1/3 cup of flour and cook until the mixture is absorbed and forms a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is thinly sliced to promote even cooking and crispiness.
- Maintain oil temperature at around 325°F for optimal frying results.
- Use freshly made white gravy for the best flavor and texture.
- Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to keep it crispy and remove excess oil.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity to control spice level in the batter.
