Chicken Fried Chicken

by Maria March 18, 2024, 10:18 pm 2k Views

Chicken Fried Chicken is a beloved Southern comfort food dish that features tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy seasoned breading, served with creamy and flavorful gravy. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner or looking to impress your guests, Chicken Fried Chicken is sure to please.

Why Make Chicken Fried Chicken

Chicken Fried Chicken is a classic dish that embodies the essence of Southern cooking. With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and creamy gravy, it’s a dish that appeals to both comfort food enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike. Making Chicken Fried Chicken at home allows you to customize the seasoning and control the quality of ingredients, resulting in a meal that’s truly satisfying and memorable.

How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken

Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. In one shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. In another shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven to 325-350°F (165-175°C).
Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then in the buttermilk-egg mixture, and back in the flour mixture to ensure even coating.
Fry Chicken: Deep fry chicken until golden brown on both sides. Drain excess grease on paper towels, then transfer chicken to a baking sheet or wire rack in the preheated oven to keep warm.
Make Gravy: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and creamy. Whisk in cayenne pepper and season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until gravy thickens to desired consistency.
Serve: Ladle gravy over the top of the chicken and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Fried Chicken pairs well with classic Southern sides such as mashed potatoes, collard greens, or cornbread. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Storage Info

Leftover Chicken Fried Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness. Store leftover gravy separately and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to thin if necessary.

Some Techniques or Tips

To ensure even cooking and a crispy crust, maintain a consistent oil temperature while frying the chicken. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.
If you prefer a spicier kick, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in both the breading and the gravy to suit your taste.
For a healthier alternative, you can shallow fry the chicken in a skillet with less oil, though it may not achieve the same level of crispiness.

Variation

Experiment with different seasonings in the breading mixture to customize the flavor profile of the chicken. Add smoked paprika, onion powder, or dried herbs such as thyme or sage for a unique twist.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. You can also substitute almond flour or cornmeal for a crunchy coating.

FAQs about Chicken Fried Chicken

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditional for Chicken Fried Chicken, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or bone-in chicken pieces if preferred. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the chicken.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time? Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and reheat it just before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
What can I use leftover gravy for? Leftover gravy is versatile and can be used as a topping for mashed potatoes, biscuits, or roasted vegetables. You can also use it as a base for soups or stews, or freeze it for future use.

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