Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Chicken Fried Chicken is the kind of comfort food that sparks instant nostalgia and warms you inside and out. This iconic Southern classic is all about tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a perfectly seasoned, crispy crust, served piping hot with a blanket of from-scratch creamy gravy. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or as the star of a family feast, this recipe delivers all the crunchy, golden goodness you crave in less than an hour. Each bite is a satisfying mouthful of home-cooked flavor, and making Chicken Fried Chicken from scratch is easier than you think.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Fried Chicken lies in its simplicity—just a handful of humble, everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component brings something essential to the table, from crispiness and color to juicy tenderness and layered flavor.

• Thin sliced chicken breasts: Using thin slices ensures the chicken cooks quickly and stays unbelievably juicy.
• Flour: The foundation of your crunchy coating, giving that signature fried texture.
• Baking powder: Adds lightness and a little lift to the breading for that irresistible crust.
• Baking soda: Helps with browning and crispiness for a deeply golden color.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the coating—don’t be shy!
• Pepper: Brings a gentle warmth to every bite.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory, aromatic depth to the breading.
• Buttermilk: The secret to tenderizing the chicken while lending tangy richness.
• Egg: Helps the breading cling for that extra crunch factor.
• Hot sauce: For a little zing—just enough to wake up the flavors, not overwhelm.
• Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for the perfect golden crisp.
• Reserved oil from frying (for gravy): Infuses the gravy with toasty, savory depth.
• Flour (for gravy): Thickens the gravy to the ideal creamy consistency.
• Milk: The base of your classic white gravy, bringing everything together.
• Salt & pepper (for gravy): Season the gravy to perfection right at the end.

How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken

Step 1: Heat Up the Frying Oil

Begin by pouring your chosen frying oil into a deep fryer or a large, heavy pan—aim for a depth of a few inches to make sure the chicken will cook evenly and get beautifully crisp. Bring the oil up to 325°F. Using a thermometer helps ensure the perfect fry every time, so your Chicken Fried Chicken ends up crispy, not greasy.

Step 2: Mix Your Seasoned Flour Coating

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. These dry ingredients are doing double duty: browning your crust and infusing every bite with flavor. Take a moment to combine everything well so you’re sure the seasoning is even throughout.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk, egg, and that dash of hot sauce. This tangy, spicy mixture ensures the coating sticks and the chicken turns out extra juicy. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Dredge and Double Dip the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour. Next, dip them into the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then go right back into the flour, pressing down to make sure plenty of that flavorful coating adheres. This double dip guarantees a thick, shatteringly crisp crust—the hallmark of truly great Chicken Fried Chicken.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Working in batches (to avoid crowding the pan), gently lay each coated chicken breast in the hot oil. Fry for about 3–5 minutes per side, until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove each piece and drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Continue until every piece looks irresistibly golden and crunchy.

Step 6: Make the Dreamy Gravy

In a fresh pan, add about 1/4 cup of the reserved oil from frying, and heat it over medium-high. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until all the oil is absorbed—this is the start of your flavorful roux. Continue to cook for about one minute to lose any raw-flour taste, then slowly whisk in the milk. Keep whisking until the gravy is smooth, creamy, and thickened to your liking. Finish with salt and pepper, tasting as you go, for a rich and savory sauce you’ll want to pour over everything.

How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken

Garnishes

Amp up the plate with vibrant, fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. For a bit of extra flavor, grind fresh black pepper or add a dusting of smoked paprika over the top. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of honey can make for a sweet-savory finish that takes your Chicken Fried Chicken to the next level.

Side Dishes

No classic Chicken Fried Chicken feast is complete without the perfect sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are the gold standard, capturing every drop of luscious gravy. Buttermilk biscuits, coleslaw, and green beans also make excellent companions. For something a little unexpected, try pairing it with roasted sweet potatoes or tangy pickled vegetables—these sides balance the richness with a pop of flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

While a hearty platter is always a hit, try stacking your Chicken Fried Chicken on a split biscuit for an epic open-faced sandwich—or slice it up and serve over waffles for a playful brunch take. Mini versions make crowd-pleasing sliders for parties. No matter the presentation, a generous pour of that homemade gravy is non-negotiable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tuck any leftover Chicken Fried Chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. To keep the crust from going soggy, avoid stacking pieces directly on top of each other—use wax paper or parchment to separate layers if needed.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead for busy nights, Chicken Fried Chicken freezes beautifully. Arrange cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. This method keeps crusts crunchy and prevents chicken pieces from sticking together. Label and freeze for up to two months.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Chicken Fried Chicken in a 375°F oven on a baking rack or sheet until hot and crispy, about 15–20 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the crust chewy. If reheating gravy, gently warm in a saucepan with a splash of milk, stirring to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs make a juicy, flavorful alternative and hold up well to frying. Just slice them thin to ensure even cooking, and the rest of the recipe stays the same.

Does Chicken Fried Chicken have to be spicy?

Not at all—the amount of hot sauce in the wet mixture just adds a subtle background flavor. If you don’t like heat, reduce the hot sauce or leave it out. For extra kick, bump it up or sprinkle cayenne into the flour mix.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; chicken is ready at 165°F in the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, the coating should be deep golden and the juices run clear when pierced.

What’s the difference between Chicken Fried Chicken and chicken fried steak?

While both dishes get their name from the same frying method, Chicken Fried Chicken uses breast meat, while chicken fried steak uses tenderized beef. Both are breaded and fried, then served with creamy white gravy, but the flavors and texture are distinct.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the gravy a day ahead, then gently reheat over low heat, adding a bit of milk to thin it to your desired consistency. Just be sure to whisk well so it stays creamy and lump-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the first forkful of crispy, juicy Chicken Fried Chicken smothered in homemade gravy. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, fills the kitchen with laughter, and never fails to deliver big, bold flavors. So gather your ingredients, invite someone you love, and treat yourself to a homemade classic tonight!

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