Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as biting into a crispy, golden piece of Chicken Fried Chicken. A Southern classic, this dish takes tender, juicy chicken breasts and gives them the full fried chicken treatment—coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture and fried until crispy and golden. The result? A crunchy, flavorful crust with juicy, flavorful chicken inside. It's comfort food at its finest and perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. This recipe will guide you step-by-step to create the ultimate chicken fried chicken, along with tips to make it even more delicious. Keep reading for everything you need to know to make this classic dish!

this Recipe

---

What is Chicken Fried Chicken?

Chicken Fried Chicken is a dish that takes a boneless chicken breast, pounds it thin, dredges it in seasoned flour, and fries it to golden perfection—similar to traditional fried chicken but without the bone. The result is a crispy, juicy piece of chicken that’s perfect on its own or served with a rich, creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, or other Southern-style sides. It's called "chicken fried" because it’s prepared in the same way as Chicken Fried Steak, where the meat is breaded and fried to achieve that iconic crunchy texture.

---

Ingredients List for Chicken Fried Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Chicken Fried Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to about ½ inch thickness)
• 2 cups buttermilk (for marinating the chicken)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill your skillet about ½ inch deep)

For the Gravy (optional):

• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• Salt and black pepper to taste

---

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken Fried Chicken can be customized in many ways to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Ensure your cornstarch is also gluten-free.
• Spice Level: Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade if you like spicy fried chicken. Alternatively, you can omit the cayenne for a milder flavor.
• Buttermilk Substitution: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by combining 2 cups of regular milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Air Fryer Option: If you prefer a healthier version, you can cook the chicken in an air fryer instead of deep frying. Simply spray the coated chicken with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Different Cuts of Chicken: You can use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take longer than chicken breasts.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's get cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ½ inch, using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
• In a large bowl or ziplock bag, combine the chicken breasts with 2 cups of buttermilk. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

• In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons of water or buttermilk.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

• Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.
• Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before placing it back into the flour mixture for a second coating. This double dredging gives the chicken its crispy, golden crust.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

• In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be around 350°F for frying. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of the breading into the oil—it should sizzle and bubble immediately without burning.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

• Working in batches (so you don’t overcrowd the pan), carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil.
• Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove any excess grease.

---

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

Cooking the perfect Chicken Fried Chicken involves a few key steps: marinating the chicken for tenderness, double-coating it in seasoned flour for that extra crunch, and frying it at the right temperature to ensure a golden, crispy crust without drying out the chicken inside. If you follow the step-by-step guide, you’ll have restaurant-quality fried chicken right at home, every time.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like Chicken Fried Chicken, there are a few mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Avoid these common errors for the best outcome:

• Skipping the marinade: The buttermilk marinade not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the chicken. Don’t skip it, or your chicken may end up dry and less flavorful.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces of chicken at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy, soggy chicken. Fry in batches to maintain the proper heat.
• Not checking the oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn before the chicken is cooked through. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Aim for a frying temperature of around 350°F.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving Chicken Fried Chicken, it’s all about Southern-style comfort. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more special:

• Serve with gravy: Southern-style white gravy (or country gravy) is the perfect companion to chicken fried chicken. It’s made by whisking together butter, flour, and milk to create a creamy, savory sauce that you can drizzle over the top.
• Pair with classic sides: Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, or biscuits for a full Southern meal.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives over the chicken adds a fresh pop of color.

---

How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken

Chicken Fried Chicken is best served hot, straight from the skillet. Once it’s cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and bring it to the table with sides like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or a fresh salad. You can also offer homemade gravy or a side of honey butter biscuits for an extra touch of Southern comfort.

---

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Fried Chicken

While Chicken Fried Chicken is a humble dish, there are still ways to make it look elegant on the plate. Here are a few presentation tips:

• Layer the chicken: Stack the chicken breasts slightly on top of each other on a serving platter. Drizzle with white gravy and add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions.
• Serve with colorful sides: A vibrant side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes with a pat of butter will add color to the plate and make your chicken fried chicken look even more appetizing.
• Rustic style: Present the chicken on a wooden board or cast iron skillet for a rustic, home-style feel.

---

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Chicken Fried Chicken turns out perfectly:

• Use a meat thermometer: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. The thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F.
• Keep it warm: If you’re frying in batches, keep the cooked chicken warm by placing it on a wire rack in a 200°F oven while you finish frying the rest.
• Add a drizzle of honey: For a sweet-savory contrast, drizzle a little honey over the crispy chicken just before serving. It pairs wonderfully with the crunchy, salty coating.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Chicken Fried Chicken ahead of time?

While Chicken Fried Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to crisp it back up. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soggy.

Can I freeze Chicken Fried Chicken?

Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken. Once cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crispy and heated through.

What’s the difference between Chicken Fried Chicken and Fried Chicken?

Traditional Fried Chicken typically uses bone-in chicken pieces and is often brined or seasoned before frying. Chicken Fried Chicken, on the other hand, is boneless chicken breast that’s pounded thin and fried in the same style as Chicken Fried Steak.

---

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Chicken is the epitome of comfort food—crispy, tender, and full of flavor. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this Southern classic is sure to impress. Follow this recipe to create golden, crispy chicken fried chicken with a juicy inside, and pair it with creamy gravy and classic Southern sides for the ultimate meal. So, grab your skillet, start frying, and enjoy one of the best comfort foods there is!

Print