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 and comforting meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The crispy coating and creamy gravy make it a standout dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite: The crispy texture and rich flavor appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone enjoys dinner.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it with mashed potatoes, salad, or any side of your choice for a complete meal.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples needed, you can whip this up without any last-minute grocery runs.
- Comforting Dish: The warm gravy poured over the crispy chicken creates a cozy dining experience.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare Chicken Fried Chicken.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep fryer or large pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep fryer or large pan: Essential for frying your chicken evenly, ensuring that every piece gets that perfect golden crust.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for keeping your flour mixture and egg wash separate while allowing easy access during preparation.
- Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly in both the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture, ensuring even coating of the chicken.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Chicken Fried Chicken:
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
For Frying
- 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 is enough oil to cover the chicken pieces when frying.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 3: Make the Egg Wash
In another bowl:
1. Whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until smooth.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Take each chicken breast:
1. Dredge it in the flour mixture.
2. Dip it into the egg wash.
3. Return it to the flour mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure coating adheres well.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place coated chicken in the hot oil:
– Fry each piece for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
– Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
In a large pan:
1. Add 1/4 inch of reserved oil from cooking over medium-high heat.
2. Stir in your flour until absorbed; cook for about 1 minute.
3. Slowly add milk while whisking continuously until thickened.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Pour gravy over individual chicken pieces before serving warm to enjoy this comforting Chicken Fried Chicken!
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken
Serving Chicken Fried Chicken is all about enhancing its flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.
With Creamy Gravy
- Pour generous amounts of homemade gravy over the crispy chicken for a comforting touch. The rich flavor complements the chicken perfectly.
On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes
- Serve your Chicken Fried Chicken atop fluffy mashed potatoes. This classic pairing absorbs the gravy well, adding an extra layer of flavor.
With a Side Salad
- A fresh garden salad adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the fried chicken. Choose a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Accompanied by Cornbread
- Pair your meal with warm cornbread to soak up any leftover gravy. The slight sweetness of cornbread makes it an ideal companion.
With Pickles or Coleslaw
- Serve with tangy pickles or creamy coleslaw to introduce some acidity and texture, cutting through the richness of the fried chicken.
As a Sandwich
- Slice your Chicken Fried Chicken and place it in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a quick and flavorful sandwich option.
How to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken
Perfecting your Chicken Fried Chicken involves mastering techniques that enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out fantastic every time.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and spices make a noticeable difference in flavor. Always opt for high-quality, fresh ingredients.
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Double Dredge: For extra crunch, double dip your chicken in the flour mixture after coating it with the egg mixture. This creates a thicker crust.
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Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep oil at around 325°F during frying. Too hot can burn the coating; too cool results in greasy chicken.
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Let it Rest: After frying, allow the chicken to rest on paper towels for a few minutes. This helps maintain its crispiness while excess oil drains away.
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Make Homemade Gravy: Using drippings from frying adds depth to your gravy. Don’t skip this step for that authentic taste!
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken
Chicken Fried Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its bold flavors. Here are some great options to consider.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent match for the crispy chicken, especially when smothered in gravy.
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Green Bean Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with almonds add crunch and freshness, balancing out the meal beautifully.
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Fried Okra: This Southern classic brings additional crunch and flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to your fried chicken feast.
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Creamed Spinach: Rich and velvety creamed spinach adds creaminess that pairs well with fried dishes.
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Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A cheesy favorite that offers comfort alongside crispy chicken, making it an irresistible combo.
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Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, which complements the richness of fried chicken.
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Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances the overall flavor profile with its natural sweetness; grill or boil for best results.
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Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned well can provide an extra starch option that kids love!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks make a few common errors when preparing Chicken Fried Chicken. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Skipping the Buttermilk: Using regular milk instead of buttermilk can lead to less flavorful chicken. Always use buttermilk for that tender, juicy texture.
- Inadequate Coating: Not pressing the flour into the chicken can cause the coating to fall off during frying. Make sure to coat well and press down firmly.
- Incorrect Oil Temperature: Frying at too low a temperature can result in greasy chicken. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 325°F for optimal frying.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Placing too many pieces of chicken in the pan can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Fry in batches for best results.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season both the flour and gravy can make your Chicken Fried Chicken bland. Season generously for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Chicken Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing Chicken Fried Chicken
- Cool cooked chicken completely before freezing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat chicken on a baking sheet until hot, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel; heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil, and reheat chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chicken Fried Chicken.
What is Chicken Fried Chicken?
Chicken Fried Chicken is a Southern-inspired dish where seasoned, battered chicken breasts are fried until golden brown, often served with creamy gravy.
Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless thighs can be used for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take longer to cook through.
What sides go well with Chicken Fried Chicken?
Popular sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw. These complement the rich flavors beautifully.
How do I make my gravy thicker?
To thicken your gravy, let it simmer longer or add more flour while whisking continuously until you achieve your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This easy and delicious Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is perfect for family dinners. Its comforting flavors bring everyone together around the table. You can easily customize this dish by adding different spices or herbs based on your taste preferences. Give it a try!
Chicken Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Chicken Fried Chicken is a mouthwatering comfort food that brings the flavors of the South right to your dinner table. This recipe features juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy, seasoned crust, and smothered in rich, creamy gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can whip up this satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.
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 1/2 cup 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 for gravy
- Salt & pepper for gravy
Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 325°F.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg wash, followed by another coating in flour.
- Fry chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- For gravy, use reserved oil to make a roux with flour; gradually add milk while whisking until thickened.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of Chicken Fried Chicken (150g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
