Description
Chicken Fried Chicken is a Southern classic featuring crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken smothered in rich country gravy. This dish is a comfort food favorite, offering a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness with every bite. Whether served with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or your favorite side, it’s a meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 6–8 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Country Gravy:
- ¼ cup reserved frying oil
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Stations:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until the mixture is smooth and the egg is fully incorporated.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating.
- Dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Return the chicken to the flour mixture for a second coating, pressing down to adhere the flour thoroughly.
- Fry the Chicken:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 325°F (163°C).
- Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry each piece for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Country Gravy:
- In a separate skillet, heat ¼ cup of the reserved frying oil over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Place the fried chicken on a serving platter and generously ladle the country gravy over the top.
- Serve immediately, ideally over mashed potatoes or alongside your favorite Southern sides.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, let the breaded pieces rest for 10 minutes before frying.
- To make a healthier version, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness.
- Pair with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, biscuits, or mac and cheese for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern