The crispy crunch of golden-brown chicken fried chicken could make even the pickiest eater swoon with delight. Imagine biting into that tender meat, perfectly seasoned, while your taste buds dance with joy as each flavor bursts forth.

This dish is perfect for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Just the thought of it brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where laughter and delicious aromas mingled in the air, creating an experience to savor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken fried chicken is easy to prepare, making it a weeknight favorite
- The flavor profile is a heavenly mix of savory and crispy goodness
- Its visual appeal will have everyone flocking to the table for seconds
- Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it adapts beautifully to any menu
I remember the first time I made chicken fried chicken; my friends were fighting over who would get the last piece. The smiles on their faces were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for that crispy coating; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tanginess, giving your chicken that classic flavor we all love.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Use a blend of your favorites; they elevate the taste profile immensely.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, choose oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil for optimal frying results.
Eggs: These help bind the flour to the chicken and add an extra layer of richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Chicken: Start by placing your boneless chicken breasts in a bowl and pouring buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least an hour; this tenderizes the meat while infusing flavor.
Create Your Coating Station: Set up three bowls—one with flour mixed with your seasonings, another with beaten eggs, and the last one empty for dredging. This station will streamline your coating process.
Dredge Like a Pro: Take each chicken breast out of the buttermilk and let excess liquid drip off. Dip it into the egg mixture first and then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour. Make sure every inch is covered!
Heat Up That Oil!: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Test if it’s ready by dropping a small amount of flour in; if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!
Fry Until Golden Brown: Gently place your coated chicken in the hot oil without crowding them. Fry for about 7-10 minutes per side or until they reach a golden brown color and are cooked through inside.
Drain and Serve Hot!: Once cooked, transfer your glorious chicken fried chicken onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy; trust me, nobody will be able to resist!
Enjoying homemade chicken fried chicken is like giving yourself a warm hug on a plate; it’s comfort food at its finest! So gather your loved ones around — they won’t want to miss out on this culinary delight!
You Must Know
- Chicken fried chicken is a delightful twist on classic fried chicken
- The crispy exterior and juicy interior create a flavor explosion that will leave everyone coming back for seconds
- Make sure to pair it with your favorite sides for a perfect meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Then, dredge in seasoned flour before frying to achieve that irresistible crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices! Try adding paprika or garlic powder to the dredging flour for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for best crispiness at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure maximum crunch, let the dredged chicken rest before frying
- This allows the coating to adhere better and form a delicious crust
- When frying, maintain an even oil temperature; too hot can burn the coating while undercooked chicken lurks inside
- Always use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F for safe eating
Creating chicken fried chicken reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we devoured each bite together.
FAQ
How do I keep my chicken fried chicken crispy?
Let it rest on a wire rack after frying to prevent sogginess from steam.
Can I make chicken fried chicken ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it and store uncooked in the fridge until ready to fry.
What can I serve with chicken fried chicken?
Pair it with mashed potatoes, gravy, or a fresh salad for balance and variety.

Chicken Fried Chicken
Indulge in the delightful crunch of chicken fried chicken, a comfort food favorite that brings joy to any table. This easy-to-make dish features tender, juicy chicken coated in a crispy, golden-brown crust, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Pair it with your favorite sides and watch as everyone gathers around for seconds.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken: Soak chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- Set up a coating station: Prepare three bowls – one with seasoned flour (flour, paprika, salt, pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one empty.
- Dredge the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dip into egg mixture, then coat with seasoned flour thoroughly.
- Heat oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry the chicken: Gently place coated chicken in hot oil and fry for 7-10 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and serve: Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (approx. 170g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg