The aroma of sizzling chicken fried chicken wafts through the air, teasing your senses with promises of crispy, golden perfection. Imagine biting into a crunchy outer layer that gives way to tender, juicy chicken inside, all while your taste buds dance in delight.
You might find yourself reminiscing about family dinners filled with laughter and stories shared over heaping plates of this comfort food classic. Perfect for Sunday gatherings or a cozy weeknight treat, chicken fried chicken brings a smile to faces young and old alike.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Chicken fried chicken is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor that will impress everyone at the table
- The visual appeal of the crispy coating makes it a feast for the eyes
- Versatile enough to serve with various sides, it fits any occasion perfectly
- Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover chicken from last night!
Friends still rave about my first attempt at this dish during a potluck—it was gone in minutes!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on how hungry everyone is.
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Buttermilk: This magical ingredient keeps the chicken moist and adds a tangy flavor; don’t skip it!
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All-Purpose Flour: Use for dredging; it creates that beautiful crust we all love.
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Cornstarch: Mixing cornstarch with flour boosts crispiness—trust me on this one.
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Seasoning Blend: A mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder will elevate your flavors significantly.
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Vegetable Oil: Use for frying—canola or peanut oil works best for high heat.
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Lemon Wedges: For serving; a squeeze of lemon brightens everything up beautifully!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and seasoning blend. Add the chicken breasts to soak for at least 1 hour—this step ensures maximum tenderness.
Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix flour and cornstarch with additional seasoning. This combination creates an irresistibly crispy crust.
Dredge the Chicken: Remove each piece from buttermilk and let excess drip off. Coat thoroughly in the flour mixture before placing them on a plate. This step is crucial for that crunchy exterior!
Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering—about 350°F (175°C). You can test by dropping in a small pinch of flour; it should sizzle immediately.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully add coated chicken pieces to hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Drain and Serve!: Remove fried chicken from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side; they add that perfect zing.
Enjoy every juicy bite of your homemade chicken fried chicken—it’s like getting a warm hug from your grandma!
You Must Know
- This delicious chicken fried chicken recipe combines crispy breading with juicy chicken, creating a comfort food masterpiece
- The aroma fills your kitchen, making everyone eager for dinner
- It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, and the leftovers are just as tasty!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken; then prepare the breading while it soaks. Heat oil to 350°F before frying to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with seasonings in the breading. A sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder can elevate flavors, giving your dish a personal flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes for maximum crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken reaches 165°F internally
- Letting it rest after frying keeps the juices intact
- Consider double-dipping in egg wash for extra crunch; it makes a huge difference!
Sometimes I get too excited about cooking this dish and end up sharing it with neighbors. Their smiles make all the effort worthwhile!
FAQ
What is chicken fried chicken?
Chicken fried chicken is fried chicken prepared with a crisp breading, resembling Southern-style fried dishes.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well but adjust cooking time to ensure they cook through.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blends for a delicious alternative.
Chicken Fried Chicken
Chicken fried chicken is a beloved comfort food that combines crispy, golden-brown breading with tender, juicy chicken. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. With its delectable flavor and satisfying crunch, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Serve it with lemon wedges to elevate the taste and enhance your dining experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk mixed with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder for at least 1 hour.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and cornstarch with additional seasoning.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken pieces for 6–8 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
