Chicken Fried Chicken

Name: Chicken Fried Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

Published: July 2, 2025

by Emilia

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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. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet family night, this dish stands out with its crispy texture and rich, savory gravy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This Chicken Fried Chicken can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Family Favorite: The appealing flavors of crispy chicken and creamy gravy are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Versatile Meal: Serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or green beans for a complete dinner.
Comforting Dish: This recipe offers the warmth and satisfaction that comes from classic comfort food.
Minimal Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this dish without a trip to the store.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Chicken Fried Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the cooking process easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Deep fryer or large pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Cooking thermometer
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Deep fryer or large pan: A deep fryer or wide pan allows for even cooking and crispiness when frying your chicken.
Mixing bowls: Having multiple mixing bowls helps keep your ingredients organized during preparation.
Whisk: A whisk ensures that your mixtures are smooth, especially when blending liquids like buttermilk and egg.

Ingredients

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.

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
Oil for frying

For the Gravy

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 until it reaches 325°F. Ensure there’s enough oil for deep frying (a few inches deep).

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. 2 cups of flour
2. 2 teaspoons of baking powder
3. 1 teaspoon of baking soda
4. 1 teaspoon of salt
5. 1 teaspoon of pepper
6. 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk
2. 1 egg
3. 1 tablespoon of hot sauce

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture first, then dip into the egg mixture before returning to the flour mixture. Press down firmly to ensure an even coating.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place chicken in the pan or deep fryer. Fry each side for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Once cooked, remove chicken and drain on paper towel-lined plates.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

In a large pan, add about 1/4 inch of reserved oil from frying. Heat on medium-high heat and stir in your reserved flour until absorbed, cooking for about one minute.

Step 7: Finish the Gravy

Slowly add in 2 cups of milk while whisking to blend thoroughly. Heat until thickened while adding salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve

Pour gravy over individual servings of chicken before serving hot.

Enjoy making this delightful Chicken Fried Chicken for dinner tonight!

How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken

Serving Chicken Fried Chicken is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will complement this delicious dish.

Classic Comfort

Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect pairing with chicken fried chicken, offering a comforting base for your meal.
Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast to the crispy chicken, adding a nice texture and flavor balance.
Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob brings a sweet and juicy element to your plate, enhancing the overall experience.

Southern Style

Biscuits and Gravy – Fluffy biscuits smothered in rich gravy create a traditional southern experience that enhances the chicken fried chicken.
Fried Green Tomatoes – These crispy slices add a tangy flavor that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
Collard Greens – Slow-cooked collard greens bring an earthy flavor that rounds out your meal beautifully.

Lighten Up

Garden Salad – A simple garden salad with fresh veggies can provide a lighter side option while still being satisfying.
Steamed Vegetables – Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients to your plate without overwhelming flavors.

How to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken

To achieve the best Chicken Fried Chicken, follow these helpful tips for perfecting your dish. Consistency is key!

Choose Thin Breasts – Using thin sliced chicken breasts ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden crust quickly.
Dredge Properly – Make sure to press the flour mixture onto the chicken firmly; this creates a thick, crunchy coating when fried.
Maintain Oil Temperature – Keeping oil at 325°F is crucial for frying; too hot can burn the coating, while too cool can make it greasy.
Let It Rest – After frying, let your chicken rest on paper towels for a few minutes. This allows excess oil to drain and maintains crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Fried Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese – This classic comfort food adds creaminess and richness that pairs wonderfully with crispy chicken.
Baked Beans – Sweet baked beans offer a nice contrast in flavor and are easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, making them an excellent side that balances savory flavors.
Potato Salad – A chilled potato salad can provide freshness and creaminess, making it an appealing side during warmer months.
Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch, creating a fun twist on traditional fries.
Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad adds freshness and crunch, cutting through the richness of fried chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Fried Chicken can be straightforward, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Skipping the Buttermilk: Not using buttermilk can result in less flavorful chicken. Always include buttermilk in your recipe for a tender and tasty meal.
Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too much chicken at once lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy chicken. Fry in batches to maintain the right heat.
Not Pressing the Flour: Failing to press down the flour mixture can result in an uneven coating. Make sure to firmly press the flour onto the chicken for a crispier finish.
Inadequate Oil Temperature: If your oil isn’t hot enough, your chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure it’s at 325°F (163°C).
Ignoring Seasoning: Skipping additional seasoning can lead to bland chicken. Don’t be shy with spices—season both the flour and the buttermilk mixture.

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Chicken Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Fried Chicken

Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Chicken Fried Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken

Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a paper towel. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), checking frequently until hot.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Fried Chicken?

Chicken Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that features breaded and fried chicken breasts, served with creamy gravy. It’s a comforting meal perfect for family dinners.

How do I make my Chicken Fried Chicken extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, double-dip your chicken by coating it in flour, then dipping it in the egg mixture again before returning it to the flour.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes! While thin sliced chicken breasts are common, you can use thighs or even drumsticks if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What sides pair well with Chicken Fried Chicken?

Classic sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw. These complement the richness of the dish beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Fried Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also deliciously satisfying. This versatile recipe allows for endless customization—add different spices or serve it with various sides to suit your family’s taste. Give this comforting meal a try; you won’t regret it!

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