Chicken Fried Chicken

Easy and delicious, this Chicken Fried Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinnertime recipe that brings the whole family to the table. With minimal ingredients, it’s a simple and comforting meal perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This Chicken Fried Chicken can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The crispy coating and savory gravy appeal to both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this delicious dish without any fuss.
• Comfort Food Classic: It’s a nostalgic recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Chicken Fried Chicken perfectly, having the right tools can make all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep fryer or large pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cooking thermometer
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or large pan: Essential for achieving that golden-brown crispiness while frying.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining dry ingredients and wet mixtures separately.
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth batter by blending ingredients thoroughly.
• Cooking thermometer: Ensures the oil is at the perfect temperature for frying, preventing soggy chicken.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 6-8 thin sliced chicken breasts
– 2 cups flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 egg
– 1 Tbs hot sauce
– Oil for frying
– 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
– 1/3 cup flour
– 2 cups milk
– Salt & pepper

How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat oil in deep fryer or large pan on stove (a few inches deep) to 325°F.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until smooth.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Dredge your chicken in the flour mixture. Then dip into the egg mixture followed by another coating in the flour mixture. Press down firmly to ensure the flour sticks well.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place chicken in the hot oil. Fry each piece for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all chicken pieces.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

In a large pan, add about 1/4 inch of reserved oil from frying over medium-high heat. Stir in your additional flour until absorbed and cook for about 1 minute.

Step 7: Add Milk to Gravy

Slowly whisk in your milk until blended. Heat until thickened then stir in salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve

Pour gravy over individual pieces of Chicken Fried Chicken before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken

Chicken Fried Chicken is a hearty and comforting dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal and please your guests.

Classic Southern Style

• Collard Greens – A traditional side, collard greens add a healthy touch and complement the richness of the chicken.
• Cornbread – Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up gravy, making it a delicious sidekick for this dish.
• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide a classic pairing, especially when topped with the savory gravy.

Casual Family Dinner

• Macaroni and Cheese – This creamy comfort food is always a hit with families and pairs wonderfully with fried chicken.
• Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the rich flavors of Chicken Fried Chicken.
• Baked Beans – Sweet and smoky baked beans offer a delightful contrast to the crispy chicken.

Entertaining Guests

• Roasted Vegetables – Colorful roasted veggies bring nutrition and vibrant flavors to your dinner table.
• Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread serves as a great accompaniment for soaking up any leftover gravy.

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How to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken

To achieve the ultimate Chicken Fried Chicken, attention to detail in preparation is key. Follow these tips for mouthwatering results.

• Use Buttermilk – Soaking chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and enhances flavor, leading to juicier results.
• Double Dredge Technique – Coating the chicken twice in flour helps create an extra crispy crust that seals in moisture.
• Temperature Control – Maintain oil temperature at 325°F for even cooking; too hot can burn the coating while leaving chicken undercooked.
• Let It Rest – Allow cooked chicken to rest on paper towels before serving; this helps keep it crispy by draining excess oil.
• Homemade Gravy Magic – Always whisk your gravy continuously while adding milk; this prevents lumps and creates a smooth sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken

Pairing your Chicken Fried Chicken with delicious sides can enhance your meal experience. Here’s a list of top side dishes that go well with this comforting recipe.

1. Green Beans Almondine – Sautéed green beans tossed with almond slivers add crunch and freshness.
2. Fried Okra – Crispy fried okra offers Southern charm and pairs perfectly with fried chicken.
3. Potato Salad – A creamy potato salad provides contrast in texture and flavor, ideal for gatherings.
4. Cucumber Salad – Refreshing cucumber salad lightens the meal while providing a cool crunch.
5. Sweet Potato Fries – These sweet treats add a unique twist while balancing savory flavors beautifully.
6. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overshadowing the main dish.
7. Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness that complements savory fried chicken wonderfully.
8. Pickles or Chow Chow – Tangy pickles or chow chow add acidity that cuts through richness, enhancing every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Fried Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your flour mix can lead to bland chicken. Always ensure you add enough salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
• Not preheating the oil: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much grease. Make sure your oil is at 325°F before frying.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many pieces of chicken in the pan can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches for a perfect golden crust.
• Not letting the chicken rest: Serving immediately after frying can cause loss of juices. Allow your chicken to rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• Forgetting about gravy thickness: Adding milk too quickly can lead to a runny gravy. Gradually whisk in milk while monitoring its consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chicken Fried Chicken

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in freezer bags.
• Properly stored, it will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chicken Fried Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and place chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Warm chicken for about 5 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Fried Chicken?

Chicken Fried Chicken is a comfort food that features breaded and fried chicken breast, often served with creamy gravy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work well for this recipe, offering more moisture and flavor.

How do I make my Chicken Fried Chicken crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in flour before frying, ensuring it has a thick coating.

Is there a healthier way to prepare Chicken Fried Chicken?

You can bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying for a lighter version without losing too much crunch.

What should I serve with Chicken Fried Chicken?

Common sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw, adding variety to your meal.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, providing warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Customization options are endless; feel free to experiment with spices or sauces to suit your taste!