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 various occasions, from weeknight dinners to family gatherings. The crispy coating and rich gravy make this dish stand out, ensuring everyone will leave the table satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Chicken Fried Chicken can be on your table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The crispy exterior and tender chicken meat appeal to both adults and kids alike.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up this comforting dish without hassle.
- Delicious Gravy: The homemade gravy adds an extra layer of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Chicken Fried Chicken successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment helps streamline the cooking process and ensures great results.
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: Essential for frying chicken evenly and achieving that golden brown color.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients without any mess, allowing you to keep everything organized.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending wet ingredients smoothly, ensuring the buttermilk mixture is well combined.
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 cup 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 the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until smooth.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Dredge your chicken in the flour mixture. Then dip into the egg mixture before returning to the flour mixture. Press down firmly so that the flour adheres well to each piece of chicken.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Place chicken in pan or deep fryer. Fry on each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
In a large pan, add 1/4 inch of reserved oil from frying. Heat on medium-high. Stir in your flour until absorbed and cook for about 1 minute.
Step 7: Add Milk to Gravy
Slowly add in your milk while whisking to blend. Continue heating until thickened then stir in salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve Your Dish
Pour gravy over individual pieces of chicken before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken
Serving Chicken Fried Chicken is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. The crispy texture and rich flavor of the chicken pair well with numerous sides and sauces, making it a versatile dish for any meal.
Classic Comfort
- Gravy: Pour homemade or store-bought gravy over the chicken for that classic Southern comfort.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the chicken perfectly, soaking up all the flavors.
Fresh and Light
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the fried chicken, adding a nice crunch.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the fried chicken.
Seasonal Favorites
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds seasonal flavor and pairs beautifully with the spiced chicken.
- Baked Beans: Savory baked beans introduce a hearty element to your meal, making it even more satisfying.
Unique Twists
- Pickles: Adding pickles on the side gives a tangy kick that enhances the overall flavor.
- Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a spicy touch, serve some hot sauce on the side for drizzling.
How to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken
Perfecting your Chicken Fried Chicken can elevate this dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken turns out crispy and flavorful every time.
- Use Buttermilk: Marinating in buttermilk keeps the chicken juicy while adding flavor.
- Double Dredge: For extra crunch, dredge your chicken in flour twice—once before dipping in egg and once after.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep oil at 325°F; too hot will burn the outside while leaving the inside raw.
- Let Rest After Frying: Allowing your fried chicken to rest on paper towels helps remove excess oil and keeps it crispy.
- Season Well: Don’t forget to season both the flour and gravy for maximum flavor impact.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken
When serving Chicken Fried Chicken, pairing it with delicious sides can enhance your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up gravy and adds a comforting touch.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: This Southern classic brings a unique twist with its tartness and crispiness.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a favorite among families and complements fried dishes well.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrients to your plate.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad provides a cooling contrast to hot fried chicken.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is another classic that pairs beautifully with fried meals, offering a delightful sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls will ensure your Chicken Fried Chicken turns out perfectly. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
- Ignoring the oil temperature: Not heating the oil properly can lead to greasy chicken. Use a thermometer to ensure it’s at 325°F before frying.
- Skipping the double dredge: A single coating of flour may not stick well. Always dredge, dip in the egg mixture, and then dredge again for a crispy crust.
- Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many chicken breasts at once lowers the oil temperature. Fry in batches to achieve an even golden brown color.
- Not letting the chicken rest: Serving immediately can result in juicy chicken leaking out. Allow it to rest on a paper towel-lined plate after frying.
- Underseasoning the flour: Forgetting to season your flour mix can make the dish bland. Don’t skip adding salt, pepper, and spices for flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Chicken Fried Chicken
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, monitoring closely to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to create steam while covering.
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 that features breaded and fried chicken breasts served with gravy. It’s a comforting meal that everyone enjoys!
Can I use skin-on chicken?
You can use skin-on chicken if you prefer! Just note that it may take slightly longer to cook through.
How do I know when my chicken is cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness.
Can I make Chicken Fried Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and gravy ahead of time. Just store them separately and reheat before serving.
What sides pair well with Chicken Fried Chicken?
Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw for a classic Southern meal!
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fried Chicken is an easy yet satisfying recipe that’s perfect for family dinners. With its crispy texture and rich gravy, this dish offers delicious comfort food any night of the week. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or sides!
Chicken Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that brings the heart of Southern cuisine right to your dinner table. This quick and simple recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, golden crust, topped with rich, homemade gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it comes together in just about 30 minutes and is sure to please both kids and adults alike. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation steps, this dish not only offers delightful flavors but also warm memories around the dining table. Serve it alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a complete, hearty meal that everyone will love.
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, combine buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mix, dip into the egg mixture, then back into the flour.
- Fry chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- For gravy: In a pan with reserved frying oil, stir in flour until absorbed and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened; season to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (150g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
