Chicken Fried Chicken
Easy and delicious, this Chicken Fried Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinnertime recipe that brings the whole family to the table. With minimal ingredients, it’s a simple and comforting meal perfect for any occasion, be it a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The crispy coating and rich gravy make this dish stand out, ensuring everyone will leave satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Chicken Fried Chicken can be made in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: Everyone loves fried chicken! This recipe features familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it with mashed potatoes, salad, or your favorite sides for a complete meal that fits any dining theme.
- Crispy and Comforting: The crunchy exterior combined with the tender chicken creates a delightful texture that’s hard to resist.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples needed, you can whip up this meal without a trip to the store.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this Chicken Fried Chicken recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for efficient cooking. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep fryer or large frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep fryer or large frying pan: Essential for achieving the right temperature for frying, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients without making a mess, keeping your workspace organized.
- Whisk: Helps blend liquids smoothly, which is crucial for creating a well-mixed batter.
Ingredients
Easy and delicious this Chicken Fried Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinnertime recipe that brings the whole family to the table, with minimal ingredients it’s a simple and comforting meal.
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 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbs hot sauce
For the Gravy
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt & pepper
How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan on the stove until it reaches 325°F. You want enough oil so that it’s a few inches deep.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
5. Pepper
6. Garlic powder
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Buttermilk
2. Egg
3. Hot sauce
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture first, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture. Press down firmly to ensure that flour sticks well.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Place coated chicken in the preheated oil and fry each piece for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towel-lined plates. Repeat until all chicken is cooked.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
In a large pan, add 1/4 inch of reserved oil from frying over medium-high heat:
1. Stir in your flour until absorbed; cook for about 1 minute.
2. Slowly add in milk while whisking until thickened; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Pour gravy over individual pieces of chicken before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Fried Chicken as part of your next family meal!
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken
Serving Chicken Fried Chicken is all about adding the right accompaniments to complement its rich flavors. Here are some delicious suggestions to elevate your meal.
Classic Comfort
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are a traditional pairing that soaks up the savory gravy beautifully.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken, enhancing the overall experience.
Light and Fresh
- Green Salad – A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh balance to the hearty chicken.
- Steamed Vegetables – Seasonal steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients to your plate.
Hearty Additions
- Biscuit – Fluffy biscuits make for an excellent side, perfect for sopping up any leftover gravy.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brings a burst of flavor and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with fried chicken.
Zesty Twist
- Pickles – Adding tangy pickles can enhance the dish’s flavor profile with their crunch and acidity.
How to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken
To ensure your Chicken Fried Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Buttermilk – Soaking chicken in buttermilk not only tenderizes it but also adds a rich flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Double Dredge – For extra crunch, double dip your chicken in flour after the egg mixture. This creates a thicker crust that’s irresistibly crispy.
- Maintain Oil Temperature – Keeping oil at 325°F is crucial. Too hot will burn the coating before cooking the chicken; too cool will make it greasy.
- Rest After Frying – Allowing your fried chicken to rest on paper towels helps drain excess oil and keeps it crispy.
- Season Well – Don’t forget to season each layer generously, from the flour to the gravy. This builds layers of flavor that make each bite delicious.
- Serve Immediately – For the best texture and taste, serve your chicken right after frying while it’s still hot and crispy.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken
Pairing sides with your Chicken Fried Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Creamed Spinach – A rich and creamy dish that complements fried chicken nicely with its velvety texture.
- Fried Green Tomatoes – Crispy fried green tomatoes add a delightful tartness that contrasts well with savory flavors.
- Potato Wedges – Seasoned potato wedges provide a satisfying crunch and can be easily customized with spices.
- Macaroni and Cheese – This cheesy classic is always a hit, offering comfort alongside your chicken dinner.
- Baked Beans – Sweet and smoky baked beans add depth, making them an ideal companion for fried dishes.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with savory dishes, perfect for soaking up gravy or sauces.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, creating a tasty side dish that balances richer flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chicken Fried Chicken can be simple, but common mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the Buttermilk: Not using buttermilk can lead to less tender chicken. Always use it for a moist, flavorful result.
- Not Heating Oil Enough: If your oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will soak up too much oil. Make sure it reaches 325°F before frying.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature. Cook in batches for even cooking and crispiness.
- Inadequate Dredging: Failing to coat the chicken properly can result in a soggy crust. Ensure you fully dredge in flour before frying.
- Ignoring Rest Time: Letting fried chicken rest on paper towels is essential for draining excess oil. Skipping this step leads to greasy chicken.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Chicken Fried Chicken
- Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or freezer bags.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F, bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but this may make the crust soggy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chicken Fried Chicken:
What is Chicken Fried Chicken?
Chicken Fried Chicken is a Southern dish that features breaded and fried chicken breast served with gravy. It’s similar to fried chicken but uses boneless breasts.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. They will add more flavor and moisture to your dish.
How do I make Chicken Fried Chicken gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
What can I serve with Chicken Fried Chicken?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or green beans for a complete meal.
How long does it take to cook Chicken Fried Chicken?
The total cooking time is around 30 minutes, including preparation and frying.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fried Chicken is not only easy to make but also brings comfort and joy to any dinner table. Its versatility allows for various sides and sauces, making it perfect for family gatherings. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite spices or dips!
Chicken Fried Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that brings family together for a satisfying meal. This easy recipe features tender chicken breasts enveloped in a crispy, golden coating, served with a rich gravy that elevates every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this dish requires minimal ingredients and can be on the table in just 30 minutes. Whether paired with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, Chicken Fried Chicken is sure to delight everyone at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 6–8 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large frying pan to 325°F.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, dip into the egg mixture, then coat again in flour.
- Fry coated chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- For gravy, heat reserved frying oil over medium-high heat; stir in flour until absorbed, then gradually add milk to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (approximately 130g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
