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 that works for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Its crispy coating and rich gravy make it a standout dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Chicken Fried Chicken comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort Food Favorite: The crispy chicken paired with savory gravy is sure to satisfy cravings for classic comfort food.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish, making it a great option for family dinners.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with mashed potatoes, salad, or your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Minimal Ingredients: With only a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal without fuss.
Tools and Preparation
To make Chicken Fried Chicken, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These tools will help ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.
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: Allows you to fry the chicken evenly and achieve that golden brown color.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately.
- Whisk: Helps to achieve well-mixed batter without lumps for better coating on the chicken.
- Tongs or slotted spoon: Perfect for safely placing chicken in hot oil and removing it once cooked.
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
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 deep fryer or large pan on stove (a few inches deep) to 325°F.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until smooth.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture first. Then dip into the egg mixture before returning to the flour mixture. Press down firmly so that flour adheres well to the chicken.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place chicken in the pan/deep fryer. Fry each side for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove chicken from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining pieces.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
In a large pan, add 1/4 inch of reserved oil from frying over medium-high heat. Stir in your flour until absorbed; cook for about 1 minute.
Step 7: Add Milk
Slowly add in your milk while whisking continuously until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve
Pour gravy over individual pieces of chicken before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Enjoy this delightful Chicken Fried Chicken as part of your next family meal!
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken
Chicken Fried Chicken is a hearty dish that can easily become the centerpiece of your dinner table. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Classic Southern Style
- Gravy Over Rice: Serve the Chicken Fried Chicken smothered in gravy over a bed of fluffy white rice for a comforting combination.
- With Biscuits: Pair with warm, flaky biscuits to soak up the delicious gravy and add a touch of Southern charm.
Fresh and Crisp
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of Chicken Fried Chicken.
- Garden Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a light side that balances the meal.
Hearty Additions
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for complementing the crispy chicken and rich gravy.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings seasonal sweetness and pairs beautifully with this dish.
Comforting Complements
- Fried Green Tomatoes: This Southern favorite adds an extra crunch and tartness that heightens the flavor profile.
- Macaroni and Cheese: For those who love comfort food, mac and cheese is an indulgent side that everyone will enjoy.
How to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken
To achieve the best Chicken Fried Chicken, consider these helpful tips that ensure crispy, flavorful results.
- Choose Thin Slices: Thinner chicken breasts cook more evenly and quickly, ensuring they stay juicy inside.
- Use Buttermilk: Soaking chicken in buttermilk not only tenderizes it but also adds a tangy flavor that enhances the dish.
- Double Dredge Method: To achieve an extra crispy coating, dip your chicken in flour twice—once before and once after the egg mixture.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep your frying oil at 325°F for optimal cooking. Too hot will burn the coating; too cold will make it greasy.
- Rest After Frying: Letting fried chicken rest on paper towels helps remove excess oil while keeping it crisp.
- Season Your Gravy Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning your gravy. Properly seasoned gravy elevates the entire dish.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken
Pairing your Chicken Fried Chicken with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Creamed Spinach: This rich, creamy side adds both flavor and nutrition while contrasting nicely with fried chicken.
- Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans offer a savory-sweet balance that complements the richness of the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and healthiness to your plate while enhancing overall flavor.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are perfect for dipping into gravy or enjoying alongside your chicken.
- Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice can be an unexpected yet delicious pairing with chicken fried dishes.
- Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad offers freshness, cutting through the richness of fried foods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Fried Chicken, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Buttermilk: Buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken. Don’t skip this ingredient for the best results.
- Not Heating the Oil Properly: If the oil isn’t hot enough, your chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Always test with a small piece before frying.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many pieces of chicken at once lowers the oil temperature. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Inconsistent Dredging: Make sure to press down on the flour mixture during dredging to create a good coating. This ensures a crispy crust.
- Underseasoning: Don’t be afraid to season generously. Salt and pepper are key for enhancing the overall flavor of your Chicken Fried Chicken.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Chicken Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
- It lasts for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chicken Fried Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure all air is removed from bags.
Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chicken Fried Chicken.
What is Chicken Fried Chicken?
Chicken Fried Chicken is a comforting dish made of breaded and fried chicken breasts, often served with gravy.
How do I make my Chicken Fried Chicken extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispiness, double dredge your chicken by coating it in flour, dipping it in egg, and then coating it again with flour before frying.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes! While breasts are traditional, thighs or drumsticks can also work well for this recipe and provide different flavors.
What can I serve with Chicken Fried Chicken?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fried Chicken is a delightful recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different spices or sides. Try it today and enjoy a meal that everyone will love!
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, juicy chicken breasts with a crispy, golden coating and rich gravy. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a meal that delights both kids and adults alike. Serve it alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a complete dinner experience that’s sure to impress.
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 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbs hot sauce
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt & pepper
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 chicken in the flour mixture, dip into the egg mixture, then return to the flour.
- Fry chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- For gravy, heat reserved oil in a pan, stir in flour until absorbed, then 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 (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
