Description
Chicken Fried Chicken is a classic comfort food featuring juicy, tender chicken breasts that are double-dredged for an irresistibly crisp coating, then topped with creamy homemade gravy. This Southern-inspired main course comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for an easy yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6–8 thin sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Oil, for frying (enough for a few inches deep in your pan or fryer)
For the Gravy
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying the chicken
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Fill a deep fryer or large, deep pan with a few inches of oil and heat it to 325°F. Using a thermometer is helpful to maintain the correct temperature for frying.
- Prepare the Dredging Station: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce together until well combined.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating evenly. Then dip into the buttermilk and egg mixture, and return it to the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating sticks well and is thick for extra crunch.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place each coated chicken breast into the hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Work in batches as needed, and place cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Gravy: In a large pan, heat 1/4 cup of the reserved frying oil over medium-high heat. Add 1/3 cup flour and stir well, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, blending until smooth. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the fried chicken and generously spoon the creamy gravy over each piece. Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy!
Notes
- For even crispier chicken, let the coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before frying.
- Use a thermometer to keep frying oil around 325°F for best results.
- If your gravy becomes too thick, whisk in a splash more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Feel free to add extra seasonings, like cayenne or smoked paprika, for more flavor.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with gravy
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
