Irresistible Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Name: Irresistible Chicken Fried Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

July 26, 2025

Updated:

July 26, 2025

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When the crispy crust of fried chicken meets the tenderness of juicy chicken, you know you’re in for a treat. This chicken fried chicken recipe is an experience that dances on your taste buds, with flavors that sing and textures that crunch. Picture yourself biting into a piece, the satisfying crackle followed by the warm, savory goodness—it’s pure comfort food bliss.

Thinking back to family gatherings, I can almost hear my grandma’s laughter as she perfected this dish in her cozy kitchen. The aroma wafting through the air was irresistible; it always brought everyone together. Whether for Sunday dinner or a game day feast, this recipe has a way of making any occasion feel special.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This chicken fried chicken recipe is easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining guests

Its flavor profile boasts a perfect balance of savory spices and crispy textures
Visually appealing with its golden-brown crust, it will surely be a showstopper on your dinner table

Versatile enough to pair with various sides or even served on its own for a hearty meal

I remember the first time I made this dish for friends; their delighted reactions were priceless as they dug in for seconds and thirds.

Recipe preparation

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 your crowd size.
Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken beautifully; don’t skip this step if you want ultimate juiciness.
All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for creating that irresistible crispy coating.

Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture helps achieve extra crunchiness.
Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper): These elevate the flavor profile; feel free to get creative with your spice choices.
Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose an oil with a high smoke point for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine chicken breasts with buttermilk and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for at least two hours or overnight for maximum tenderness.

Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This creates that flavorful and crunchy coating you’ll love.

Dredge the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and shake off excess liquid. Dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture until fully coated—don’t be shy!

Heat Your Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat, add enough vegetable oil to cover about half an inch of the bottom. Heat until shimmering but not smoking—around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.

Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place coated chicken pieces in hot oil without overcrowding them. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Drain and Serve!: Once cooked through, transfer your crispy chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy every crunchy bite!

You Must Know

Mastering the chicken fried chicken recipe requires attention to detail, as the crispy exterior and juicy interior are the ultimate goals

The smell of frying chicken alone can bring anyone to the dinner table
Pair it with homemade gravy for a comforting soul food experience

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken overnight for maximum flavor. Next, bread it thoroughly before frying to achieve that golden crunch. Finally, fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the buttermilk for yogurt or add hot sauce for a spicy kick. Want an herby twist? Toss in fresh thyme or rosemary with your seasoning mix for depth.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes to restore crispiness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To get that perfect crunch, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying
Don’t overcrowd the pan; it leads to soggy chicken
Letting the chicken rest before cutting keeps it juicy and tender

Sharing my first attempt at this dish brings back memories of a kitchen disaster when I confused baking powder with baking soda – let’s just say dinner was a little too salty that night!

FAQs

FAQ

What can I serve with chicken fried chicken?

Mashed potatoes, green beans, and homemade biscuits complement this classic dish wonderfully.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless pieces cook faster and are easier to handle while frying.

How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer; 165°F indicates it’s safe and perfectly cooked.

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