Chicken fried chicken is like a warm hug from your grandma—comforting, delicious, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, crispy crust that gives way to juicy, tender meat. The aroma wafting through your kitchen? Well, let’s just say it could tempt even the most loyal vegetarian into breaking their vows.
Now picture this: It was a rainy Saturday afternoon when I decided to whip up this delightful dish. My friends were coming over for a movie marathon, and I knew that nothing paired better with popcorn than some good ol’ chicken fried chicken. The anticipation filled the air as I prepped my ingredients; little did I know I’d be serving up not just dinner but also some serious culinary nostalgia!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-follow recipe combines crispy texture with mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love
- You can adjust spices to suit your taste or dietary needs
- The vibrant color will make any plate pop visually at dinner time
- Perfect for casual gatherings or Sunday family dinners!
You know how sometimes you cook something and everyone just stares at you in awe? That happened the last time I made this dish—my friends couldn’t stop raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts for a satisfying meal; adjust based on your hungry crowd.
- Buttermilk: Essential for marinating; it tenderizes the meat and adds a rich flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps create that irresistible crispy coating when seasoned well.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch—don’t skip this if you want serious texture!
- Spices (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): A simple seasoning mix elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose an oil with a high smoke point for best results.
- Garlic Powder: An optional yet fantastic addition that enhances the savory goodness.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Because we eat with our eyes first!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Chicken Marinade: Start by placing your boneless skinless chicken breasts in a bowl. Pour buttermilk over them until they are submerged. Let them soak for at least an hour—or overnight if you’re feeling fancy.
Create Your Coating Mixture: In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour and cornstarch with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder if using. This blend will create that signature crunchy crust.
Dredge the Chicken: Remove each piece of marinated chicken from the buttermilk bath; let any excess drip off. Dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture until well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Heat Your Oil to Perfection: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about an inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering—test with a drop of water; if it sizzles, you’re ready!
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil without crowding the pan. Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internally). Remove and drain on paper towels.
Garnish and Serve!: Once all pieces are cooked and beautifully golden brown, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. Enjoy it hot while reminiscing about your last movie night!
Now you’ve got yourself some incredible homemade chicken fried chicken that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
You Must Know
- Chicken fried chicken is a delightful twist on classic fried chicken, combining the crunch of fried breading with a tender, juicy interior
- This dish is not only satisfying but can also become a family favorite
- The aroma while it’s frying will have everyone in the house eagerly awaiting dinner!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken to enhance flavor, then coat it in seasoned flour before frying. This order ensures maximum tenderness and crispiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices like paprika or garlic powder in your flour mix. Adding herbs will elevate the flavor and make it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in an oven to maintain crispness, about 20 minutes at 350°F.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy chicken fried chicken, let the coated pieces rest before frying to help the breading adhere better
- Use a thermometer to ensure your oil reaches 350°F for optimal frying
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower oil temperature and lead to soggy results
Sometimes I think my love for chicken fried chicken started when my grandma made it every Sunday. The way she’d serve it with biscuits and gravy still makes my mouth water today.
FAQ
What is chicken fried chicken?
Chicken fried chicken is a breaded and fried chicken breast that mimics the style of traditional fried chicken.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully for a juicier result in your chicken fried chicken.
How long do I fry the chicken?
Fry each piece for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the crunch of this crispy chicken fried chicken, perfectly golden-brown and juicy inside. Ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder (optional)
- vegetable oil for frying
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and spices to create the coating mixture.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture until well-coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Drain on paper towels and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
