Chicken Fried Chicken

Chicken Fried Chicken is a delicious Southern comfort food that features crispy, breaded chicken smothered in creamy gravy. It’s easy to make and tastes wonderful, making it a favorite for family dinners.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make this recipe because it’s a hearty dish that everyone loves. The crispy chicken and rich gravy come together for a meal that feels warm and inviting. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up for a weeknight dinner or impress guests on a special occasion.

How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying
• Country white gravy (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh ground black pepper (for seasoning gravy)

Directions

1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Flatten the boneless chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat again in the flour mixture until well breaded.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the oil, cooking until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
6. Remove the fried chicken and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
7. For the gravy, heat butter in a saucepan then whisk in leftover flour mixture, cooking for a minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Season with black pepper to taste.
8. Serve the crispy chicken with the warm country white gravy slathered on top.

How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken

Serve Chicken Fried Chicken hot with a generous amount of country white gravy on top. Pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Chicken Fried Chicken

Store any leftover Chicken Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven or microwave until warm.

Tips to Make Chicken Fried Chicken

• Make sure to flatten the chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
• Use a thermometer to check if the oil is hot enough.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
• For extra crunch, let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before frying.

Variation

You can make Chicken Fried Chicken spicy by adding cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. Another option is to use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a different flavor and juiciness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, but you can use frozen chicken if you adjust the cooking time.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
   You can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

3. Can I bake Chicken Fried Chicken instead of frying?
   Yes, you can bake it at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, but it won’t be as crispy as frying.