The BEST Chicken Fried Chicken

The BEST Chicken Fried Chicken

Introduction:
Chicken Fried Chicken is a classic Southern dish that delivers crispy, golden-brown fried chicken with all the comforting flavors you love. This recipe takes traditional fried chicken to the next level, featuring a tender chicken breast coated in a seasoned flour mixture, then fried to perfection. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for comfort food.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe:
Inspired by the heartwarming flavors of Southern cuisine, this recipe for Chicken Fried Chicken captures the essence of comfort food, providing a delightful crunch with every bite. The addition of a creamy gravy elevates this dish, making it a favorite for many.

Ingredients Breakdown:

  • For the Chicken:
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • For the Coating:
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • For Frying:
    • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
  • For the Gravy (optional):
    • 1/4 cup of the leftover frying oil
    • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Recipe:

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    • In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to tenderize the meat.
  2. Prepare the Coating:
    • In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  3. Heat the Oil:
    • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
  4. Dredge the Chicken:
    • Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing the excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well. Shake off any excess flour.
  5. Fry the Chicken:
    • Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
  6. Drain and Rest:
    • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
  7. Make the Gravy (optional):
    • In the same skillet, pour off excess oil, leaving about 1/4 cup. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve:
    • Serve the chicken fried chicken hot, drizzled with the creamy gravy if desired.

Tips for the BEST Chicken Fried Chicken:

  1. Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat.
  2. Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the right temperature for perfectly crispy chicken.
  3. Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: For an extra crunchy coating, dip the chicken back in the buttermilk and then again in the flour mixture before frying.

Variations and Customizations:

  1. Spicy Version: Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a spicy kick.
  2. Herb Infusion: Mix dried herbs such as thyme or oregano into the flour mixture for added flavor.
  3. Baked Option: For a healthier version, bake the coated chicken at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and golden.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

  • Lower-Fat Option: Consider air-frying the chicken for a lower-fat alternative while still achieving a crispy texture.
  • Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more nutritious coating.

FAQ:

  1. Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
    Yes! Skin-on chicken will provide extra flavor and crunch, but ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
  2. How do I know when the chicken is done?
    Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  3. What sides pair well with Chicken Fried Chicken?
    Southern classics like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or green beans are perfect accompaniments.
The BEST Chicken Fried Chicken

Chicken Fried Chicken

Indulge in The BEST Chicken Fried Chicken, featuring a crispy, golden crust and juicy meat, perfect for a comforting meal. Serve it with creamy gravy for a true Southern delight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 6-8 thin-sliced chicken breasts
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • Oil for frying

For the Gravy:

  • ¼ cup reserved oil from frying
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Heat the Oil:

  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pan on the stove (about 3 inches deep) to 325°F.

Prepare the Flour Mixture:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture:

  • In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.

Coat the Chicken:

  • Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and return to the flour mixture. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.

Fry the Chicken:

  • Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil. Fry each piece for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all chicken pieces.

Make the Gravy:

  • In a large pan, heat ¼ cup of the reserved frying oil over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until absorbed.
  • Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to blend, and continue heating until the gravy thickens. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

  • Pour the gravy over the fried chicken before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can use a deep fryer for frying the chicken instead of a skillet.
  • If you prefer not to use frying oil for the gravy, substitute it with butter or bacon grease.
  • Thin-cut chicken breasts are typically available at the store, but you can also slice regular chicken breasts in half.
  • Adjust the seasoning in both the flour mixture and the gravy to suit your taste preferences.
Keyword Chicken Fried Chicken
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