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: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have dinner on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
• Comfort Food Delight: The crispy coating and savory gravy create a satisfying meal that warms the heart.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most ingredients on hand, making it easy to whip up whenever cravings hit.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Chicken Fried Chicken effectively, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep fryer or large pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or large pan: Essential for frying evenly and achieving that perfect golden brown color.
• Mixing bowls: Used for combining ingredients without making a mess, ensuring everything is well mixed.
• Whisk: Helps blend wet ingredients smoothly, particularly useful for mixing buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.

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
• 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 to taste

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 Coatings

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Dredge your chicken in the flour mixture. Then dip into the egg mixture before returning to the flour mixture. Press down to ensure the flour adheres well.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

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

Step 5: Make the Gravy

In a large pan, add 1/4 inch of reserved oil from cooking. Heat on medium-high. Stir in your flour until absorbed; cook for about 1 minute. Slowly add milk while whisking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

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

How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken

Chicken Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Serving this meal can enhance your dining experience and create a comforting atmosphere for family or guests.

With Homemade Gravy

• Rich and Creamy Gravy: Drizzle the warm gravy over the chicken for extra flavor and moisture.

On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes

• Smooth Mashed Potatoes: Serve the chicken on top of fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy.

Accompanied by Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Green Beans: Brighten your plate with steamed green beans for a fresh crunch.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a unique flavor that complements the richness of the chicken.

With a Side Salad

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad offers a refreshing contrast to this hearty dish.
• Coleslaw: The creamy texture of coleslaw adds crunch and balances flavors.

On a Bun as a Sandwich

• Chicken Fried Chicken Sandwich: Place the fried chicken on a bun, adding lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a quick meal.

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How to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken

To achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful Chicken Fried Chicken, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose the Right Oil: Use oils with high smoke points, like vegetable or canola oil, for frying to avoid burning.
• Maintain Proper Temperature: Keep your oil at 325°F for optimal cooking; too hot will burn the coating while leaving the chicken undercooked.
• Double-Dip for Crispiness: Dip the chicken back into the flour mixture after the egg wash for an extra crispy coating.
• Let It Rest After Frying: Allow fried chicken to rest on paper towels to maintain its crispness while draining excess oil.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasonings in both the flour mixture and gravy to enhance flavor throughout the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken

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

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery, perfect for soaking up gravy.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy corn adds a delightful crunch.
3. Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Rich, cheesy pasta that complements southern flavors beautifully.
4. Fried Okra: Crispy fried okra gives a classic Southern touch to your meal.
5. Collard Greens: These provide earthy flavors that balance out the richness of fried chicken.
6. Biscuits with Honey Butter: Fluffy biscuits spread with honey butter create a sweet contrast.
7. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad provides freshness between bites of fried chicken.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries bring sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Fried Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can impact the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid for perfect results.

• Skipping the buttermilk – Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, so don’t substitute with regular milk. Use buttermilk for that juicy texture.
• Inadequate seasoning – Failing to season both the flour and the egg mixture can lead to bland chicken. Season generously for maximum flavor.
• Not heating the oil enough – If your oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Ensure your oil reaches 325°F before frying.
• Overcrowding the pan – Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature. Work in batches to maintain crispy chicken.
• Ignoring resting time – Allow fried chicken to rest on paper towels after cooking. This helps drain excess oil and keeps it crispy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Chicken Fried Chicken

• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Frozen Chicken Fried Chicken is best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Use medium heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil, and warm each side for about 3-4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Fried Chicken.

What is Chicken Fried Chicken?

Chicken Fried Chicken is a delicious dish made by breading and frying chicken breasts, similar to fried chicken but typically served with gravy.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes! You can use thighs or drumsticks if preferred. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.

How do I make my gravy thicker?

To thicken your gravy, cook it longer after adding milk or add more flour gradually until desired consistency is achieved.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends for a tasty gluten-free version of Chicken Fried Chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners and has room for customization—try different spices or add herbs to the breading! Enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week!