Chicken fried chicken is one of the quintessential comfort foods in Southern cuisine. Its crispy, golden-brown breading and juicy, tender chicken are simply irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it up at a weekend gathering, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through every step to make the perfect chicken fried chicken. From the essential ingredients to cooking techniques, we’ve got you covered. By the end, you’ll have a crispy, flavorful dish that will impress everyone at the table.
What is Chicken Fried Chicken?
At its core, chicken fried chicken is a dish that involves breading and frying chicken breasts. It’s similar to fried chicken but uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of pieces with bones. The result is a crispy, golden coating on the outside, while the chicken inside remains juicy and tender. Chicken fried chicken is often served with creamy gravy, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Why Chicken Fried Chicken is a Crowd-Pleaser
What makes chicken fried chicken so popular? For starters, the crispy, flavorful breading is loved by almost everyone. The combination of savory spices and the rich, creamy gravy provides a comforting experience that’s perfect for a family meal. Plus, it’s relatively easy to make, and its versatility allows it to be served with various sides, from mashed potatoes to collard greens.
Ingredients for Chicken Fried Chicken
For the best chicken fried chicken, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 🍗 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 🧂 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 🧄 1 tsp garlic powder
- 🌶️ 1 tsp black pepper
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
- 🍯 1/2 tsp paprika
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk and lemon juice)
- 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for frying)
- 🍳 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 🍚 1/4 cup chicken broth (for gravy)
- 🌿 Fresh parsley (for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create the crispy breading and savory gravy that makes chicken fried chicken such a hit!
How to Prepare Chicken Fried Chicken
Making chicken fried chicken involves a few simple steps, but each one plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by laying your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet, gently pound them to an even thickness, around 1/2 inch. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and results in tender meat.
Step 2: Preparing the Breading Station
Next, prepare your breading. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika. These seasonings give the chicken its rich, savory flavor. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. This wet mixture will help the dry flour coating stick to the chicken.
Step 3: Frying the Chicken
Now it’s time to bread and fry the chicken. Start by dredging each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating both sides. Then dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and return it to the flour for a second coating. This double breading technique ensures that your chicken will have a thick, crispy crust.
In a large skillet, heat the butter and vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts into the skillet. Fry each piece for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the breading is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken and let it rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If it’s too cold, the breading will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets crispy.
What to Serve with Chicken Fried Chicken
Chicken fried chicken is a hearty dish, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
Side Dish Ideas for Chicken Fried Chicken
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with gravy are the classic pairing for this Southern dish.
- Green Beans: Freshly sautéed or steamed green beans add a nice contrast to the richness of the fried chicken.
- Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread complements the meal with its slight sweetness and crumbly texture.
- Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy flavors of coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Best Drinks to Pair with Chicken Fried Chicken
- Sweet Tea: A Southern classic, sweet tea pairs perfectly with fried chicken and adds a refreshing touch.
- Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade helps balance the richness of the dish.
- Beer: A light lager or ale can also be a great pairing for fried chicken.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Fried Chicken
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the breading crispy, it’s best to reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer. Avoid microwaving it, as this can make the breading soggy.
How to Reheat Chicken Fried Chicken for Maximum Crispiness
To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack in a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the crust is crispy. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer to achieve the same result.
Delicious Variations and Swaps for Chicken Fried Chicken
While the classic recipe is a favorite, there are plenty of ways to add your own twist to chicken fried chicken:
Spicy Chicken Fried Chicken
Add some heat by incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the breading mixture. This will give your chicken a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Chicken Fried Chicken
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour. Be sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs as well for the breading.
Adding Flavor with Homemade Gravy
While store-bought gravy works in a pinch, nothing beats homemade gravy. After frying the chicken, use the drippings to make a rich and flavorful gravy by adding flour, chicken broth, and seasoning. Pour it generously over the chicken before serving.
Wrap-Up: Try This Classic Southern Dish Today
Chicken fried chicken is a Southern classic that never goes out of style. With its crispy exterior, tender meat, and rich gravy, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for dinner or serving it up for a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try today, and enjoy the delicious flavors of the South in your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best oil for frying chicken?
For frying chicken, it’s best to use oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils can handle the high temperatures required to fry the chicken without burning.
Can I make Chicken Fried Chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make chicken fried chicken in an air fryer. Simply bread the chicken as you would for frying, and cook it in the air fryer at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I keep my Chicken Fried Chicken from being greasy?
To prevent greasy chicken, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. Also, avoid overcrowding the skillet and let the fried chicken drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are traditionally used for chicken fried chicken, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful version. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What type of breading is best for Chicken Fried Chicken?
The best breading for chicken fried chicken includes a mix of all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, and other seasonings. For extra crunch, you can mix in a little cornstarch or breadcrumbs into the flour mixture.
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