When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the irresistible crunch and savory goodness of chicken fried chicken. Picture this: a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown crust enveloping tender, juicy chicken that practically melts in your mouth. It’s like a hug from your grandma but with a side of gravy!
I can already hear your stomach rumbling at the thought of that first bite. This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Just imagine gathering around the table as everyone digs into their plates, savoring each mouthful while sharing stories and laughter. If you’re ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have you coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds—let’s dive right into this delightful recipe!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This crispy chicken fried chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home without all the fuss
- The crunchy coating paired with tender meat creates a dish that’s visually stunning and utterly delicious
- Suitable for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe adapts easily to suit your taste preferences
A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe
I once made this dish for my friends’ potluck and they were begging for the recipe by the end!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 pieces; adjust depending on how hungry everyone is!
- Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken beautifully; feel free to use store-bought or homemade.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that crunchy coating; don’t skip this step!
- Cornstarch: Mixing in cornstarch adds extra crispiness to your crust; trust me on this one.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Customize these according to your taste; add cayenne for an extra kick!
- Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.
- Optional Gravy Ingredients (Butter, Flour, Stock): Elevate your dish by making gravy from scratch; it’s easier than you think!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Marinate the Chicken: Begin by soaking your boneless chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least one hour—this enhances flavor and tenderness significantly.
Prepare Your Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and cornstarch with salt, pepper, and paprika. This blend creates an incredibly flavorful crust.
Heat Your Oil: Heat about two inches of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping in a pinch of flour.
Dredge the Chicken: Remove each piece from buttermilk and coat it thoroughly in your flour mixture. Ensure it’s well-covered for maximum crunch!
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place coated chicken into hot oil—fry until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes per side). Don’t overcrowd the pan!
Rest and Serve!: Once done frying, let your masterpiece rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil before serving with gravy or sides of choice.
Enjoy every crunchy bite of your homemade chicken fried chicken!
You Must Know
- Chicken fried chicken is a delightful twist on traditional fried chicken that offers a crispy outside and juicy inside
- It’s perfect for impressing guests or savoring a cozy dinner at home
- Make it your own with various seasonings and sauces for added flair
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by brining the chicken for extra moisture, then coat it in seasoned flour before frying. This ensures that each piece is crispy and flavorful, creating that satisfying crunch you crave.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the spices in the flour mixture based on your preferences. Add cayenne for heat or Parmesan cheese for an unexpected umami kick that will delight your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store cooked chicken fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid soggy crust, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding chicken
- Letting the chicken rest after frying helps maintain moisture
- Use a thermometer to check doneness; chicken should reach 165°F internally
Cooking this dish reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we devoured plate after plate of crispy goodness. Those moments make every fry worth it!
FAQ
What is chicken fried chicken?
Chicken fried chicken features breaded and fried chicken cutlets, giving a different texture than traditional fried chicken.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless cuts like breasts or thighs work well and cook faster than bone-in options.
How do I keep my breading from falling off?
Make sure to let the coated chicken rest briefly before frying to help the breading adhere better.
Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
Indulge in the crunchy deliciousness of chicken fried chicken, featuring juicy chicken coated in a flavorful crust that’s perfect for any meal.
- Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 pieces 1x
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Salt, pepper, and paprika (to taste)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least one hour to enhance tenderness.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika to create your coating.
- Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the flour mixture until well-coated.
- Fry the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (100g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
