Chicken fried chicken is a beloved Southern comfort dish that delivers crispy, golden-fried chicken with a juicy, tender interior. It’s the meal that satisfies cravings for something crunchy and savory while offering plenty of opportunity for customization. Whether cooking for a family dinner or preparing a dish for a special gathering, mastering the art of chicken fried chicken will elevate your cooking skills and leave everyone asking for seconds. This in-depth article will guide you through the entire process, offering practical tips, insights, and variations to help you achieve fried chicken perfection.
What Is Chicken Fried Chicken?
Chicken fried chicken is similar to chicken-fried steak but made with boneless chicken breasts instead of beef. It involves tenderizing the chicken, coating it in a seasoned flour mixture, frying it to a crispy golden brown, and often serving it with creamy gravy. This dish offers the satisfying crunch of fried chicken with the convenience of boneless, quicker-cooking cuts.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Fried Chicken
Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients needed to make classic chicken fried chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin for even cooking.
- Buttermilk: Acts as a marinade to tenderize the chicken and helps the coating adhere.
- Flour: The base of the crispy coating, seasoned with spices.
- Eggs: Helps bind the flour to the chicken, forming a thicker, more even crust.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper add flavor to the coating.
- Oil: For frying, typically vegetable or peanut oil for a higher smoke point.
- Gravy: Optional but highly recommended, made from the pan drippings for extra flavor.
Choosing the Best Chicken
Chicken breasts are the most commonly used cut for chicken fried chicken, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful piece of meat. Whether you use breasts or thighs, pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures quick, even cooking and prevents the outside from overcooking while the inside remains underdone.
Real-Life Example: For a large family dinner, I like to use chicken thighs because they stay juicy even after frying. Pounding them thin allows for faster frying, and the natural fat content of thighs ensures that they stay moist and flavorful.
Step-by-Step Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
Here’s a traditional recipe for chicken fried chicken, with each step explained in detail to help you create a dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Gravy (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken until it’s about ½ inch thick. This step is essential for ensuring even cooking.
Tip: Pounding the chicken also helps tenderize it, making each bite more succulent and ensuring it cooks quickly without drying out.
2. Marinate in Buttermilk
In a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken breasts. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you want to maximize tenderness and flavor. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a slight tang, which enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Real-Life Example: When I have the time, I like to marinate the chicken overnight. This gives the chicken plenty of time to soak up the flavors and makes the meat incredibly tender.
3. Set Up the Breading Station
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water. These two bowls will form your breading station for the chicken.
4. Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and shake off any excess. Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the egg wash, and return it to the flour for a second coating. This double-coating method helps create a thicker, crunchier crust.
Practical Tip: For extra crispiness, press the flour mixture onto the chicken, ensuring it adheres well to the surface.
5. Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry the chicken, but not so hot that the coating burns before the chicken is fully cooked. Aim for an oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C).
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts, cooking 2-3 pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each chicken breast for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
After frying, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. This ensures it’s cooked through without over-frying the coating.
6. Make the Gravy (Optional)
To make a simple gravy, drain off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings. Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the drippings and whisk to combine, forming a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Real-Life Example: When making this for family gatherings, I always double the gravy recipe. It’s a favorite, and everyone loves to drizzle it over the fried chicken and mashed potatoes.
7. Serve
Serve the chicken fried chicken hot, topped with the optional gravy and garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for a full Southern-style meal.
Practical Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken
Use a Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer is an invaluable tool for ensuring your chicken is fully cooked without drying it out. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). If you fry the chicken too long, it can become dry, but undercooking poses safety risks, so the thermometer helps strike that perfect balance.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When frying, it’s crucial not to overcrowd the skillet. Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in greasy chicken rather than a crispy, golden crust. Fry in batches if necessary, and allow the oil to return to temperature between batches.
Double-Coating for Extra Crispiness
Double-coating the chicken (flour, egg, and then flour again) helps create an extra-thick, crunchy crust that holds up well even after the chicken is fried. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken with your hands to ensure it adheres fully and creates a perfect crispy layer.
Rest the Chicken After Frying
Let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying. This allows excess oil to drain off and keeps the chicken crispy. If you place the chicken directly on a paper towel or plate, it can become soggy from the trapped steam.
Chicken Fried Chicken Variations
While traditional chicken fried chicken is already a delicious dish, you can try some creative variations to switch things up:
1. Spicy Chicken Fried Chicken
If you like your chicken with a bit of heat, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or include a dash of hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade. You can also serve the chicken with a spicy dipping sauce or a drizzle of honey and hot sauce.
2. Chicken Fried Chicken Sandwich
Transform your chicken fried chicken into a sandwich by serving it on a soft bun with lettuce, pickles, and mayo or your favorite sauce. Add coleslaw or spicy slaw for extra crunch and flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Chicken Fried Chicken
For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Rice flour or almond flour can also be used for a crispy texture without the gluten.
4. Southern-Style Chicken Fried Chicken with Biscuits and Gravy
For the ultimate Southern meal, serve your chicken fried chicken with warm, flaky biscuits and a generous pour of gravy. Add sautéed greens or collard greens on the side for an authentic Southern dining experience.
Pairing Chicken Fried Chicken with Sides
Chicken fried chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic Southern sides. Here are a few options to complement your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect side for soaking up that rich gravy.
- Biscuits: Serve warm, flaky biscuits alongside the chicken for a true Southern feast.
- Coleslaw: A light, tangy coleslaw balances the richness of the fried chicken.
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is another excellent side to serve with chicken fried chicken.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken
To keep your chicken fried chicken crispy and flavorful even after storing it, follow these tips for proper storage and reheating.
Storing Chicken Fried Chicken
- Refrigeration: If you plan to eat the leftover chicken fried chicken within 3-4 days, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before placing it in the fridge to prevent excess moisture from forming, which can make the coating soggy.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze chicken fried chicken.
- Place the fried chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. This prevents the pieces from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label the container with the date.
- Frozen chicken fried chicken can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken
To maintain the crispy texture of the chicken when reheating, here are the best methods:
1. Oven Reheating (Best Method for Crispiness)
The oven is the best way to reheat chicken fried chicken while preserving the crunchy coating.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the leftover chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, preventing the bottom from getting soggy.
- Reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through and crispy on the outside. If the chicken was frozen, it may take a little longer (20-25 minutes).
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully reheated.
Tip: To help the chicken crisp up, you can lightly spray or brush the surface with a small amount of oil before reheating.
2. Air Fryer Reheating
An air fryer is another excellent way to bring back the crispiness of the chicken fried chicken without using much oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Reheat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is heated through and crispy.
Tip: Use an air fryer for smaller portions, as it quickly restores the crispy exterior without drying out the inside.
3. Stovetop Reheating
For individual portions, the stovetop can work well:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy.
Tip: Use a lid to cover the skillet if you want to retain some moisture inside the chicken while still keeping the exterior crispy.
4. Microwave Reheating (Not Recommended for Crispiness)
While the microwave is the fastest method, it’s not ideal for maintaining the crispy coating. If you’re in a rush:
- Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the chicken from drying out.
- Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be aware that this method may leave the coating soggy.
By using these reheating methods, you can enjoy your chicken fried chicken with its crispy, flavorful coating intact, even after storing!