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.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves crispy chicken! This dish is sure to please both kids and adults at your dinner table.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of spices and creamy gravy elevates this classic dish, giving it a delicious twist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip this up anytime without a special trip to the store.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Fried Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet or deep fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet or deep fryer: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining dry and wet ingredients efficiently.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce for an even coating on the chicken.

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

For the Breading Mixture

• 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbs hot sauce

For Frying

• Oil for frying

For the Gravy

• 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 (a few inches deep) to 325°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl:
Whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
Whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until mixed thoroughly.

Step 4: Dredging the Chicken

Dredge your chicken in the flour mixture:
1. Dip into the egg mixture.
2. Return to the flour mixture ensuring it is well coated by pressing down on the flour.

Step 5: Frying the Chicken

Place chicken in the pan/deep fryer:
Fry each piece for about 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Remove and drain on paper towel-lined plates. Repeat with all chicken pieces.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

In a large pan:
Add 1/4 of oil reserved from frying and heat on medium-high.
Stir in your flour until absorbed; cook for about 1 minute.

Step 7: Add Milk to Thicken

Slowly add in your milk while whisking:
Continue heating until thickened; stir in salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve

Pour gravy over individual pieces of chicken before serving. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Fried Chicken!

How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken

Serving Chicken Fried Chicken is an opportunity to enhance your meal with delightful side dishes and garnishes. This classic comfort food can be paired with various items that complement its flavor and texture.

With Creamy Gravy

• Pour the homemade gravy generously over the crispy chicken for an extra layer of richness and flavor.

On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes

• Serve your Chicken Fried Chicken on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes soak up the gravy, making each bite heavenly.

Accompanied by Coleslaw

• A fresh coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that balances the richness of the fried chicken.

With Biscuits or Cornbread

• Pairing Chicken Fried Chicken with warm biscuits or cornbread makes for a comforting Southern-style meal that everyone will love.

Served with Green Beans

• Freshly steamed green beans provide a pop of color and freshness, making your plate visually appealing and nutritious.

Garnished with Lemon Wedges

• Adding lemon wedges brings a bright, zesty contrast to the dish. Squeeze some juice over the chicken for an uplifting flavor boost.

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How to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken

To achieve the best Chicken Fried Chicken, follow these helpful tips that ensure delicious results every time.

• Use Thinly Sliced Chicken: Thinner cuts of chicken cook evenly and stay juicy inside while achieving that perfect crispy coating outside.

• Double Dredge: For an extra crunchy exterior, double dredge your chicken in the flour mixture before frying. This ensures more breading sticks to the meat.

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep your frying oil at 325°F for even cooking. If it’s too hot, the coating may burn before the chicken is fully cooked.

• Let It Rest: Allow fried chicken to rest on paper towels after cooking. This helps remove excess oil and keeps it crispy.

• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with seasoning in both your flour mixture and gravy. It elevates flavors significantly!

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Fried Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that absorbs gravy beautifully.

2. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with sliced almonds add crunch and freshness.

3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob provides a delightful contrast to savory fried chicken.

4. Fried Okra: This Southern favorite offers a crispy texture that perfectly complements your main dish.

5. Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad brings a refreshing balance to hot fried chicken.

6. Macaroni and Cheese: Cheesy mac adds comfort and richness, making it an irresistible combination.

7. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw gives a tangy kick, enhancing the overall meal experience.

8. Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans pair well, adding depth to your dinner table spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Fried Chicken, it’s easy to run into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the Buttermilk: The buttermilk is crucial for tenderizing the chicken. Don’t skip it; use it to ensure juicy and flavorful meat.
• Not Heating Oil Properly: If the oil isn’t hot enough, your chicken will absorb too much grease. Use a thermometer to check that the oil is at 325°F before frying.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches to maintain the right heat and achieve even cooking.
• Inadequate Coating: A proper coating helps create that crispy crust. Make sure to thoroughly dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat again.
• Ignoring Rest Time: Letting the fried chicken rest briefly on paper towels allows excess oil to drain. This step is essential for a delightful texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow chicken to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Chicken Fried Chicken

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water and covering until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Fried Chicken?

Chicken Fried Chicken is a delicious dish featuring breaded and fried chicken breasts served with rich gravy. It’s a comforting meal loved by many.

How do I achieve crispy Chicken Fried Chicken?

To achieve crispiness, ensure you double coat your chicken and fry at the right temperature. This results in a crunchy exterior that complements the tender meat inside.

Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes! While thin-sliced chicken breasts are traditional, thighs or even drumsticks can work well too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What sides pair well with Chicken Fried Chicken?

Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or green beans make great sides. They complement the dish’s flavors and add variety to your meal.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is easy and satisfying, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different spices or sides according to your taste, ensuring every meal feels special. Give this comfort food classic a try; you’re sure to love it!