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 yet comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or at a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its crispy coating and savory gravy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Family Favorite: The crispy texture and rich flavor appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone will love it.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or green beans for a complete dinner.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create an unforgettable meal without fussing over complicated recipes.
- Comfort Food Classic: This dish embodies comfort food with its warm flavors and satisfying crunch.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make all the difference in preparing your Chicken Fried Chicken. Here’s what you need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep fryer or large pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep fryer or large pan: Essential for achieving that perfect frying temperature for crispy chicken.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for combining the dry ingredients and wet mixtures, keeping your workspace organized.
- Whisk: Helps in smoothly blending liquids together, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Coating
- 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
For the Wet Mixture
- 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 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 Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 3: Create the Wet Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until smooth.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture. Then dip into the egg mixture before returning to the flour mixture. Ensure you press down on the flour so it sticks well to the chicken.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Place chicken in the pan or deep fryer. Fry on each side for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all pieces of chicken.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
In a large pan, add 1/4 inch of reserved oil from cooking over medium-high heat. Stir in your flour until absorbed and cook for about 1 minute.
Step 7: Add Milk to Thicken
Slowly add in your milk while whisking continuously until thickened. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve
Pour gravy over individual pieces of chicken before serving. Enjoy your delightful Chicken Fried Chicken!
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken
Chicken Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings, making it perfect for family dinners. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Creamy Gravy
- Pour homemade gravy over your Chicken Fried Chicken for a rich and savory flavor.
On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes
- Serve the chicken on a fluffy mound of mashed potatoes, allowing the gravy to soak in for an even heartier dish.
With Fresh Green Beans
- Pair your chicken with sautéed or steamed green beans for a pop of color and nutrition.
In a Sandwich
- Slice the chicken and serve it in a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato for a delicious twist.
With Coleslaw
- A side of crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.
Topped with Pickles
- Add dill pickles on top for an extra tangy crunch that complements the fried chicken beautifully.
How to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken
To ensure your Chicken Fried Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
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Use oil at the right temperature – Make sure your oil is at 325°F before frying. This helps achieve that golden-brown crust without overcooking the chicken.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan – Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
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Let it rest – Allow the fried chicken to drain on paper towels after cooking. This helps keep it crispy by removing excess oil.
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Adjust seasoning to taste – Don’t be afraid to tweak the salt and pepper levels in both the flour mixture and gravy for personal preference.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Chicken Fried Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Smooth and buttery, perfect for soaking up gravy.
- Southern-Style Collard Greens – Cooked with ham hocks for added flavor; they add a nutritious element.
- Cornbread – Sweet and crumbly, cornbread is a classic Southern companion.
- Biscuits – Soft biscuits are excellent for mopping up gravy or enjoyed with honey butter.
- Fried Green Tomatoes – Crispy and tart, these provide a delightful contrast to the rich chicken.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac adds comfort and richness to your plate.
- Cucumber Salad – A light salad brings freshness that balances out the heaviness of fried foods.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – These add a nutty flavor and crisp texture as an appealing side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Chicken Fried Chicken, even small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the Buttermilk: Not using buttermilk can result in less tender chicken. Always ensure you soak your chicken in buttermilk for the best flavor and texture.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches to maintain the right cooking temperature and achieve a crispy crust.
- Not Pressing the Flour: Failing to press down on the flour coating means it may not stick properly. Make sure to press firmly when dredging to ensure a thick layer of breading.
- Inconsistent Oil Temperature: Cooking at a temperature that’s too low will result in greasy chicken. Use a thermometer to keep the oil around 325°F for optimal frying.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland chicken. Be generous with salt and pepper in both the flour mixture and gravy for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chicken Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chicken Fried Chicken
- Place cooled Chicken Fried Chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, keeping it crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but note that this may result in sogginess.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil and cook chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Chicken Fried Chicken:
Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used as they provide a richer flavor and remain juicy during cooking.
What is the best oil for frying Chicken Fried Chicken?
Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil are ideal due to their high smoke points and mild flavors.
How do I make Chicken Fried Chicken gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Can I prepare the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving over your chicken.
What sides go well with Chicken Fried Chicken?
Popular sides include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or green beans that complement this dish beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fried Chicken is a delightful comfort food that brings families together at dinnertime. Its simplicity allows for various customization options; feel free to experiment with different spices or serve it alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy this delicious meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor!
Chicken Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Chicken Fried Chicken is a beloved comfort food that combines tender chicken breasts with a crispy, golden-brown coating, all drizzled with savory homemade gravy. This quick and easy recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With minimal ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fresh green beans for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
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 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- Hot sauce (to taste)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 325°F.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until smooth.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, then return to the flour mixture to coat well.
- Fry chicken in batches for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- For gravy, use reserved oil to stir in flour over medium heat until browned; gradually whisk in milk until thickened.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (85g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
