The aroma of crispy chicken fried chicken wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone weak at the knees. Imagine biting into a golden crust that gives way to tender, juicy meat—it’s like a hug from the inside. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or even just because you deserve to treat yourself.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of Friday night dinners featuring this mouthwatering delicacy. The laughter around the table and the sound of forks clinking against plates are memories I cherish dearly. Now, I’m excited to share this delightful recipe with you so you can create your own unforgettable moments!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-follow recipe guarantees crispy perfection every time without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
- The rich flavors will have everyone asking for seconds without missing a beat.
- It’s visually stunning and sure to impress any guest you invite over for dinner.
- Ideal for casual meals or special occasions alike!
I once attempted this dish for a potluck and ended up with empty plates faster than I could say “chicken fried chicken.” Everyone went back for more!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 3-4 pieces; they should be fresh and uniform in size for even cooking.
- Buttermilk: A must-have ingredient that tenderizes the chicken while adding flavor; opt for full-fat for best results.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for that golden coating; sift it before use to ensure it’s light and fluffy.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory punch; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- Onion Powder: Complements garlic nicely; together they create a flavor explosion.
- Cayenne Pepper: For those who love heat—it’s optional but highly recommended!
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all flavors; don’t skimp on these!
- Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Submerge your chicken breasts in this tasty bath and let them marinate for at least one hour or overnight if you’re feeling adventurous.
Coat Your Chicken: Once marinated, remove the chicken pieces from buttermilk and let excess drip off. In another bowl, mix flour with salt and pepper before dredging each piece well until fully coated.
Heat Up Your Oil: In a large skillet or deep pan, pour enough vegetable oil to cover about half an inch of the bottom. Heat over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking—around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place your coated chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding them. Fry each side until beautifully golden brown—about 5-7 minutes per side will do it!
Drain and Rest Your Chicken: Use tongs to transfer your fried chicken onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Allow it to rest for at least five minutes before serving—this creates juicy perfection!
Savor Every Bite!: Finally, serve your scrumptious chicken fried chicken with sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw—the choice is yours! Enjoy every crispy bite of this delicious comfort food.
Now you’ve mastered the art of making mouthwatering chicken fried chicken! Don’t forget—the best part is sharing it with loved ones!
You Must Know
- Chicken fried chicken is a delightful twist on classic fried chicken, offering crispy texture and juicy flavor.
- It’s perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings, ensuring smiles all around.
- Plus, it’s a breeze to customize with your favorite spices and sauces.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning the chicken well before dredging in flour. Fry it at a consistent temperature for that perfectly crispy crust.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick. You can even use gluten-free flour for a dietary twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to retain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep the oil temperature steady while frying; this ensures even cooking and a golden crust.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the coating stick better.
- Letting the coated chicken rest before frying helps create an extra crispy layer.
Sharing my first experience with chicken fried chicken still brings a smile. My friends raved about it, claiming it was better than takeout, which definitely boosted my confidence!
FAQ
What is chicken fried chicken?
Chicken fried chicken is breaded and fried chicken cooked like southern fried steak.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour for dredging the chicken.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken
Crispy chicken fried chicken offers a delightful crunch with tender, juicy meat inside. Perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to cover half an inch in the pan)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. In another bowl, combine flour with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece until fully coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add coated chicken pieces to the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and let rest for at least five minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in spices like paprika or adding herbs.
- Use gluten-free flour if needed to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 5 oz)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
