Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Are you looking for the ultimate comfort food recipe that delivers juicy, tender chicken with a crispy, golden coating? Look no further! This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is a must-try for any fried chicken lover. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this easy-to-follow recipe will become an instant favorite. Keep reading for everything you need to know about making Chicken Fried Chicken, from the perfect ingredients to substitutions, tips, and presentation ideas that will wow your guests.

What is Chicken Fried Chicken?

Chicken Fried Chicken is a Southern-inspired dish that features boneless chicken breasts coated in a seasoned breading and fried to a crisp, golden brown. The dish is very similar to the famous Chicken Fried Steak, but instead of using beef, this recipe uses chicken, which offers a lighter and juicier texture. What makes Chicken Fried Chicken stand out is its crispy coating, juicy interior, and the ability to pair with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, gravy, or coleslaw.

Chicken Fried Chicken is a versatile dish that’s perfect for a hearty dinner, a family get-together, or even a weeknight meal that you can whip up in no time. Below, we'll take you step by step through the process of making this irresistible dish.

Ingredients List for Chicken Fried Chicken

To make the perfect Chicken Fried Chicken, it’s essential to gather all the right ingredients. Here's what you’ll need to create the crispy, juicy masterpiece:

Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Breading Mixture:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Egg Wash:

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk (can substitute with regular milk)

Cooking Oil:

• 3-4 cups vegetable oil (or enough to fill your frying pan about 1-2 inches deep)

Optional Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 2 cups of milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is versatile enough for substitutions and variations.

• Chicken Thighs: Prefer dark meat? Swap out the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs. They’ll provide a richer, juicier flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Fried Chicken: Add more cayenne pepper or some chili powder to the breading mixture for an extra fiery kick.
• Air-Fried Chicken: Want a healthier version? You can use an air fryer to cook the chicken instead of frying it in oil. It will still come out crispy, but with less fat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Chicken Fried Chicken can be broken down into a few easy steps. Follow along and you'll have crispy, juicy chicken in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by prepping your chicken breasts. If they are thick, consider cutting them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and the breading doesn’t burn before the chicken is cooked through. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Next, you'll need two shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In the second bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Take each piece of chicken and first dip it into the egg wash, making sure it's fully coated. Then transfer the chicken to the flour mixture, pressing it down to ensure that the flour sticks to the chicken on all sides. For extra crispiness, you can double-dip by repeating the process (egg wash → flour mixture) one more time.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when it reaches around 350°F or when a small piece of bread dropped into the oil sizzles immediately.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the breading is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.

Step 6: Drain and Rest

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

How to Cook Chicken Fried Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

This is an overview of the essential steps to cook Chicken Fried Chicken to perfection:

1. Season the chicken: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika provide flavor to the chicken before breading.
2. Prepare the breading station: Create two bowls—one for the egg wash and one for the flour mixture.
3. Bread the chicken: Dip in egg, coat in flour, and repeat if desired.
4. Fry in hot oil: Cook the chicken in vegetable oil until golden brown and fully cooked.
5. Drain and rest: Place on paper towels and allow the chicken to rest before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Chicken Fried Chicken comes out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not seasoning the chicken: Skipping the seasoning step will leave your chicken bland. Be generous with the spices.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too much chicken in the pan at once will lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
• Using too little oil: Ensure you have enough oil in the pan to fully submerge the chicken for an even fry.
• Not monitoring oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn before the chicken is cooked through. Too cool, and the chicken will absorb excess oil.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Chicken Fried Chicken is ready, serving and presentation are the final steps to elevate this meal.

How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken

• With Gravy: Chicken Fried Chicken is often served with a creamy country gravy. You can easily make this by whisking together flour and butter, then adding milk and seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Classic Sides: Pair your Chicken Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw for a traditional Southern meal.
• Breakfast Option: Serve chicken fried chicken over a fluffy biscuit, and top it with gravy for a delicious Southern breakfast.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Fried Chicken

• Plate with Mashed Potatoes: Serve the chicken beside a scoop of mashed potatoes with a drizzle of gravy on both.
• Stack It High: Layer two chicken pieces on a large plate for a towering, restaurant-style presentation.
• Rustic Style: Place the chicken on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic, casual feel, perfect for a family-style dinner.

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Tips

• Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor to the breading.
• Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest after frying will keep it juicy while allowing the coating to crisp up even more.
• Double Dipping: For extra-crispy chicken, double-dip the chicken in the egg wash and flour mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chicken Fried Chicken in an air fryer?
A: Yes! You can air fry the chicken at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: What oil should I use for frying?
A: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil works best due to their high smoke points.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch, and ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.

Conclusion

This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is a showstopper, offering perfectly seasoned, crispy breading and juicy chicken in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it with classic Southern sides or on its own with a drizzle of gravy, this Chicken Fried Chicken is a crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to time and time again. Give this recipe a try and bring some Southern charm to your dinner table!

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