Country Fried Chicken
Country Fried Chicken is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any meal. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy dinner at home. With its crispy coating and juicy chicken, Country Fried Chicken stands out as a favorite among many. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with gravy and sides like mashed potatoes, making it a versatile option for various occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delicious dish.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of seasoned flour and buttermilk creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for feeding the whole family, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Customizable Options: You can easily adjust the spices or serve with different sides to suit your family’s preferences.
- Comforting Classic: Enjoy the nostalgia of this old-fashioned recipe that reminds you of home-cooked meals.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Country Fried Chicken, having the right tools on hand will ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or deep frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Meat tenderizer or rolling pin
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Perfect for achieving an evenly cooked, crispy crust due to its heat retention.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating the chicken and mixing your dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Whisk: Helps in blending eggs and buttermilk smoothly for coating your chicken.
- Tongs: Great for flipping and removing chicken from hot oil safely.
Ingredients
Country Fried Chicken is an old fashioned comfort food that’s easy to make with chicken breasts and staple ingredients! Serve this with gravy and mashed potatoes for a simple dinner idea for the family.
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs (whisked)
- 2 cups buttermilk (see notes for substitutions)
For the Coating
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
How to Make Country Fried Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tenderizing the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. Place each breast between plastic wrap and gently pound them until they are about 1 inch thick.
Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk
In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and whisked eggs. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully submerged. Allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes; this helps keep them moist.
Step 3: Create the Coating Mixture
In another bowl, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, salt, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Ensure that all ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Heat Oil
In your cast iron skillet or deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough for frying. You can test this by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
Step 5: Dredge Chicken Breasts
Remove each chicken breast from the buttermilk mixture. Let excess liquid drip off before dredging them in your coating mixture. Press down firmly so that they are well coated on both sides.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place each coated chicken breast into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on one side (about 5-7 minutes), then flip to cook on the other side until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, remove chicken from oil using tongs and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with gravy and your favorite sides!
Enjoy your homemade Country Fried Chicken!
How to Serve Country Fried Chicken
Country Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Here are some serving ideas to enhance your meal experience.
With Homemade Gravy
- A rich, creamy gravy poured over the chicken adds moisture and flavor, making each bite irresistible.
Served with Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that complements the crispy texture of the fried chicken perfectly.
Accompanied by Biscuits
- Fluffy, buttery biscuits are great for sopping up gravy or enjoying on their own alongside your chicken.
With Coleslaw
- A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of Country Fried Chicken, balancing the meal nicely.
Paired with Green Beans
- Steamed or sautéed green beans add a nutritious touch and brighten up your plate with color.
Side of Corn on the Cob
- Sweet corn on the cob enhances the southern feel of your meal, adding sweetness and texture.
How to Perfect Country Fried Chicken
To ensure your Country Fried Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Brine the Chicken: Soaking chicken breasts in a simple brine solution can enhance moisture and flavor.
- Use Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk tenderizes the meat while adding richness; it’s ideal for marinating.
- Double Dredge: For extra crispiness, dip your chicken in flour twice before frying. This creates a thicker crust.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil at about 350°F. This ensures even cooking and prevents greasy chicken.
- Let It Rest: After frying, rest the chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This keeps it crispy by allowing steam to escape.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste—add more cayenne for heat or herbs for freshness!
Best Side Dishes for Country Fried Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Country Fried Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy, cheesy dish that everyone loves; it’s comfort food at its finest.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy slices of green tomatoes offer a tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with fried chicken.
- Potato Salad: A classic cold side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings; it can be made in advance.
- Collard Greens: This Southern staple adds nutrients and a slightly bitter note that balances the richness of fried chicken.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans provide a hearty addition that complements the main dish splendidly.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier twist on fries, these add sweetness and crunch alongside your fried chicken.
- Cornbread: Moist cornbread is another Southern favorite; serve it warm with butter for an extra treat!
- Garden Salad: A fresh salad filled with greens and veggies can lighten up the meal while adding color to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Country Fried Chicken can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Buttermilk Soak: Not soaking your chicken in buttermilk can result in dry meat. Allowing the chicken to marinate helps tenderize it and enhances flavor.
- Using Too Much Oil: Overcrowding the frying pan can lower oil temperature, leading to greasy chicken. Fry in batches to maintain proper heat.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season your flour can make your chicken bland. Be generous with spices like paprika and seasoned salt for better taste.
- Not Preheating the Oil: Cooking in oil that isn’t hot enough will make the coating soggy. Ensure your oil is at 350°F before adding the chicken.
- Ignoring Rest Time: Cutting into the chicken too soon after frying can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for a few minutes to retain moisture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Country Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will keep fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Country Fried Chicken
- Wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last up to 3 months.
Reheating Country Fried Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F and place chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until warm (usually about 1-2 minutes).
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Country Fried Chicken:
How do I ensure my Country Fried Chicken is crispy?
To achieve crispiness, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken if you prefer, but remove excess skin for a better fry.
What sides pair well with Country Fried Chicken?
Country Fried Chicken goes well with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or green beans for a complete meal.
How can I customize my Country Fried Chicken?
Feel free to experiment with different spices or marinades in the buttermilk for unique flavors!
Final Thoughts
Country Fried Chicken is not only comforting but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Whether you’re serving it with classic gravy or trying new sides, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite spices or sides!
Country Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 people 1x
Description
Country Fried Chicken is the epitome of comfort food, bringing warmth and joy to your dining table. This classic dish features tender, juicy chicken coated in a perfectly crispy, seasoned crust. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in, Country Fried Chicken pairs beautifully with creamy gravy, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even tangy coleslaw. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can create a meal that captures the essence of Southern cooking right at home. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delightful recipe that combines nostalgia with delicious flavor!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs (whisked)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Tenderize chicken breasts by placing them between plastic wrap and gently pounding to about 1 inch thick.
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and eggs; add chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Combine flour, breadcrumbs, and spices in another bowl.
- Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Dredge marinated chicken in the coating mixture until well-covered.
- Fry each chicken breast until golden brown on both sides (about 5-7 minutes per side), ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
