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 any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just looking for a weeknight dinner, this dish stands out with its crispy coating and savory gravy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Chicken Fried Chicken can be made in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: The crispy chicken and creamy gravy are sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of common pantry items, you can whip up this hearty meal without stress.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Comfort Food Classic: This dish combines the best of fried chicken with rich gravy, delivering comfort in every bite.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Chicken Fried Chicken, it’s important to gather the right tools. Having everything at hand will streamline the cooking process and make it more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep fryer or large pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cooking thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep fryer or large pan: These are essential for frying your chicken evenly and achieving that perfect golden brown color.
- Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures an easy dredging process.
- Whisk: A whisk is key for thoroughly combining your egg mixture and ensuring a smooth gravy.
Ingredients
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 stove (a few inches deep) to 325°F.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 egg
1 Tbs hot sauce
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture. Then dip into the egg mixture before returning to the flour mixture; make sure to press down so the flour sticks well.
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 and drain on paper towel-lined plates. Repeat with all pieces of chicken.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
In a large pan, add about 1/4 inch of reserved oil from frying. Heat on medium-high, then stir in your remaining flour until absorbed. Cook for about one minute.
Step 7: Add Milk to Thicken Gravy
Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking to blend. Cook until thickened, then stir in salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve Your Meal
Pour gravy over individual pieces of chicken before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Fried Chicken!
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken
Serving Chicken Fried Chicken can be a delightful experience for your family and friends. This dish not only shines on its own but also pairs beautifully with various sides and toppings.
Classic Southern Style
- Gravy: Pour the homemade gravy over the chicken for a rich, savory flavor.
- Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread for a traditional Southern touch.
- Pickles: Add some dill or bread-and-butter pickles for a tangy crunch.
Family-Style Presentation
- Platter: Arrange the fried chicken on a large platter for communal dining.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color.
- Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges on the side to brighten the flavors.
Casual Diner Vibe
- Coleslaw: Serve with creamy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
- Mashed Potatoes: Pair with buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the gravy.
- Biscuits: Include fluffy biscuits that can be slathered with butter or honey.
How to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken
Perfecting Chicken Fried Chicken takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
- Use Buttermilk: Marinating in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.
- Double Dredge: For extra crispiness, double dredge your chicken—flour, egg, then flour again.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep oil at 325°F for even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which ensures a perfect fry.
- Rest Before Serving: Let your chicken rest for a few minutes after frying; this keeps it juicy.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken
Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your Chicken Fried Chicken meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds add crunch and freshness.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is always a favorite alongside fried chicken.
- Fried Okra: Crispy fried okra brings Southern flair and complements the meal perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables provide a healthy balance to the dish.
- Potato Salad: A classic cold potato salad adds creaminess and contrasts well with hot chicken.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet touch that pairs nicely with savory chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chicken Fried Chicken can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Inadequate seasoning: Not seasoning the flour mixture can lead to bland chicken. Always add salt and spices to enhance flavor.
- Skipping the resting time: Rushing to fry the chicken after breading can cause the coating to fall off. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before frying.
- Incorrect oil temperature: Frying in oil that’s too hot or too cold can ruin the texture. Use a thermometer to maintain a steady temperature of 325°F.
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too much chicken in the fryer can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches for even cooking and crispiness.
- Not checking doneness: Under-cooking chicken is unsafe. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Chicken Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chicken Fried Chicken
- Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and cook chicken on each side for about 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Fried Chicken?
Chicken Fried Chicken is a delicious dish that features breaded and fried chicken breasts, often served with creamy gravy.
How do I make crispy Chicken Fried Chicken?
To achieve extra crispiness, double-dip your chicken by coating it in flour, then egg wash, and back into flour again before frying.
Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts if you prefer added flavor and texture. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Is Chicken Fried Chicken healthy?
While it’s not low-calorie due to frying, you can make it healthier by using whole wheat flour or air-frying instead of deep-frying.
How do I store leftover Chicken Fried Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is easy, comforting, and perfect for family dinners. Its versatility allows you to customize with various spices or serve with different sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw. Give it a try; your family will love it!
Chicken Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Fried Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic fried chicken, offering a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a rich, savory gravy that brings comfort to any meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a seasoned batter, making it both easy and satisfying. In just about 30 minutes, you can serve up a plateful of this Southern favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Pair it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread to complete your comforting dinner experience.
Ingredients
- Thin sliced chicken breasts
- Flour
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Buttermilk
- Egg
- Hot sauce
- Oil for frying
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 piece in flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, then coat again with flour.
- Fry the chicken for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the gravy by heating reserved frying oil and whisking in flour until absorbed; add milk slowly while stirring 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 (100g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
