Nothing beats the crispy, golden crust of chicken fried chicken. It’s a culinary hug, with juicy morsels nestled beneath that crunchy exterior, whispering promises of comfort with every bite. Imagine biting into a piece so perfectly seasoned that it sends your taste buds dancing like they just won the lottery.
I remember the first time I made chicken fried chicken for my family. There was laughter, and yes, a few sticky fingers as everyone reached for seconds! It’s not just food; it’s a memory-maker, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners when you want to impress without the stress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken fried chicken is easy to prepare and will have dinner on the table in no time
- Its blend of spices creates an irresistible flavor profile everyone will love
- The visual appeal of the crispy coating paired with tender chicken makes it a showstopper
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides or even enjoy cold as leftovers!
I can still hear my sister’s joyful squeal when she saw this dish at a family gathering—her eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for 3-4 pieces depending on how many mouths you’re feeding; they should be uniform in size for even cooking.
All-Purpose Flour: Use this to create that unbeatable crispy coating; it’s the secret weapon in this recipe.
Buttermilk: This ingredient adds tanginess and moisture. If you’re out, mix milk with vinegar as a quick substitute.
Eggs: They help bind the flour to the chicken, ensuring each piece is perfectly coated for frying.
Spices (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): These elevate the flavor; adjust them based on your spice tolerance and preference!
Vegetable Oil: For frying—choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare yourself for some delicious fun!
Prep Your Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels for better seasoning adherence and moisture retention while cooking.
Create Your Coating Station: In one bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs until smooth. In another bowl, combine flour with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set this up like an assembly line – efficiency is key!
Dunk and Coat!: Take each piece of chicken and soak it in the buttermilk mixture first. Then toss it into the flour mix until fully coated—don’t rush this step; get those nooks and crannies covered!
Heat Up That Oil: Pour your vegetable oil into a large skillet until about 1 inch deep. Heat over medium-high until hot but not smoking. A drop of water should sizzle upon contact—this means you’re ready to fry!
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place each coated chicken breast into the hot oil. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). You want crispy perfection!
Drain and Serve!: Once cooked, transfer chicken onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving—if you can resist that long! Pair with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw.
Enjoy your homemade chicken fried chicken while relishing those delightful crunches and juicy bites!
You Must Know
- This chicken fried chicken recipe offers a crispy exterior and juicy interior, making every bite a delight
- Pair it with creamy gravy for an unforgettable meal
- With simple ingredients and easy techniques, this dish will impress your friends and family at any gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk to enhance flavor and tenderness. Then, bread it using seasoned flour before frying to achieve that golden crispy crust.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your chicken fried chicken with herbs like rosemary or spices such as cayenne for added heat. You can even swap out traditional gravy for a spicy jalapeño version.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crispy for the best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for safety
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this helps maintain temperature and crispiness
- Letting the chicken rest after frying ensures juicy meat inside and a crunchy outside
The first time I made chicken fried chicken, my friends devoured it so fast that I barely got a taste! They still ask for it whenever we gather, turning me into their unofficial fry cook.
FAQ
What is chicken fried chicken?
Chicken fried chicken is breaded and fried chicken breast, often served with gravy.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use pork chops or turkey cutlets for a delicious twist on this recipe.
How do I make my breading stick better?
Ensure your chicken is well-coated in buttermilk before dredging it in flour for optimal adhesion.
Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
Savor the comfort of homemade chicken fried chicken! This delightful dish features juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a perfectly seasoned, crispy coating that will leave your taste buds dancing. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a memorable meal that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Trim excess fat and pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Coating Station: In one bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs. In a second bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the buttermilk mixture, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully place coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer cooked chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
