Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe for Comfort Fans

Mastering the art of crispy chicken fried chicken can revolutionize your home cooking adventures.

Layers of golden, crunchy breading hide tender meat beneath a perfectly seasoned exterior.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this comforting classic that brings smiles around any dinner table.

Careful technique matters more than complicated ingredients when you want restaurant-quality results.

Marinating the meat ensures incredible flavor and helps maintain moisture during frying.

Selecting the right oil and maintaining consistent temperature guarantee that signature crunch we all love.

You’ll want to gather your skillet and get ready for a mouthwatering experience that celebrates simple, delicious cooking.

Chicken Fried Chicken That Steals The Show

• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, cheesy potato soup delivers ultimate comfort food that hugs your soul with warm, rich flavors perfect for chilly days.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, transforming basic pantry staples into a delicious meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile soup appeals to both kids and adults, allowing easy customization with various toppings like crispy bacon, green onions, or extra cheese to suit individual preferences.
• Meal Prep Champion: Can be prepared in advance, stored in the refrigerator, and reheated easily, making it an excellent option for busy families or meal planning enthusiasts.

Must-Have Chicken Fried Chicken Ingredients Only

• Chicken Breasts: A tender and lean cut that serves as the main protein for this crispy southern-style dish.

• Buttermilk, Eggs: A tangy marinade and binding agent that helps tenderize the chicken and create a rich coating.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: A combination that provides a light, crispy exterior with perfect golden-brown color.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that adds depth, warmth, and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil that allows for high-heat cooking and creates a crisp, even fry.

• Butter, Milk, Flour: Classic ingredients that create a smooth, rich white gravy traditional to southern chicken fried chicken.

Easy Steps To Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken

Step 1: Soak and Marinate Chicken

Immerse chicken breasts in a tangy buttermilk bath. Cover the bowl and let the chicken relax in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour or ideally overnight.

This magical soak helps tenderize the meat and infuse incredible flavor.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Thoroughly combine all ingredients, creating a zesty and crispy coating that will make your chicken irresistible.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Wash

Beat eggs in a separate bowl until smooth and well-combined. This will help the seasoned flour mixture stick perfectly to the chicken.

Step 4: Dredge and Fry Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from buttermilk, dip each piece into egg wash, then generously coat with seasoned flour mixture.

Carefully place chicken in hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Country Gravy

In a separate saucepan, melt butter until bubbling. Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Season with salt and pepper.

Simmer until gravy reaches desired thickness and smoothness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer crispy chicken to a serving platter.

Drizzle warm gravy over the top or serve alongside. Pair with classic southern sides like mashed potatoes or collard greens for a complete comfort meal.

Pro Hints For Chicken Fried Chicken Success

• Marinate chicken in buttermilk overnight to enhance tenderness and flavor, ensuring juicier meat.
• Use a combination of flour and cornstarch for an extra crispy, golden-brown coating that stays crunchy.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for perfectly fried chicken without burning the exterior or undercooking the inside.
• Let chicken rest on a wire rack after frying to prevent soggy bottoms and preserve the crisp texture.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and using cornstarch for added crispiness.

Creative Options For Chicken Fried Chicken Lovers

• Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace smoked paprika with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage in the coating for an aromatic herb-packed flavor profile.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper and mix in crushed red pepper flakes to elevate the heat and create a fiery chicken experience.
• Buttermilk Ranch Chicken: Mix ranch seasoning directly into the flour coating and serve with homemade ranch dressing instead of traditional gravy.
• Gluten-Free Crunch: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour and cornflake crumbs for a crispy, gluten-free alternative that maintains the classic texture.

Side Dishes For Chicken Fried Chicken Meals

• Comfort Cuisine Companion
• Serve this crispy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate Southern-style comfort meal. The golden-brown chicken pairs perfectly with the smooth, rich gravy and fluffy potatoes.
• Southern Picnic Platter
• Create a rustic spread by adding coleslaw, corn on the cob, and buttermilk biscuits. The tangy slaw and sweet corn complement the savory chicken, making it a complete down-home feast.
• Weekend Brunch Delight
• Transform the chicken into a brunch favorite by topping it with a sunny-side-up egg. Serve alongside fresh green salad and warm buttermilk biscuits for a hearty morning meal that satisfies every craving.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser
• Slice the chicken into strips and serve as an appetizer with various dipping sauces.

The Smart Way To Store Chicken Fried Chicken

• Store leftover chicken fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
• Wrap individual pieces of cooled chicken in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken fried chicken can last up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Place on a baking sheet to help crisp up the coating and prevent sogginess. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy texture.

FAQs

• Why marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it more juicy and flavorful. The acids in buttermilk break down proteins, resulting in a softer, more delicious texture.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe. They have more fat content, which can make the meat even more tender and flavorful compared to chicken breasts.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also be golden brown on the outside and have no pink meat inside.

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern chicken fried chicken embodies comfort food perfection from deep-south kitchens. Home cooks relish this golden-brown classic that delivers crackling texture and robust flavor in each hearty bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness)
• 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (120 g) cornstarch
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• vegetable oil (enough to fill skillet 1/2 inch deep)

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken breasts in buttermilk, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour or overnight to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption.
2. Craft a dynamic seasoning blend by combining flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
3. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet to medium-high heat, targeting approximately 350°F. Dredge each buttermilk-soaked chicken piece through beaten egg, then generously coat with seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete adherence.
4. Carefully lower coated chicken into hot oil, maintaining consistent temperature. Fry each side for 5-7 minutes until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Ensure chicken remains juicy by avoiding overcrowding in the pan.
5. For accompanying gravy, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate flour and cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually introduce milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
6. Simmer gravy until it reaches desired thickness, seasoning with salt and pepper. Consistency should coat the back of a spoon smoothly.
7. Transfer crispy chicken to serving platter, generously drizzle with prepared gravy or serve sauce alongside for individual preference.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
• Choose buttermilk with higher fat content to ensure juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to help breading stick perfectly and create crispier texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance without compromising overall seasoning balance.
• Rest fried chicken on wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy bottom.
• Double-coat chicken for extra crispy exterior by repeating egg wash and flour dredging process.
• Consider using cast iron skillet for more even heat distribution and superior golden-brown crust.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg