Crispy Golden Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe for Family Dinners

Succulent and crispy, this chicken fried chicken recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Generations of home cooks have perfected the art of creating a golden, crunchy exterior that conceals tender meat beneath.

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when this classic dish emerges from the skillet, filling the air with irresistible aromas.

Perfectly seasoned breading creates a satisfying crunch that elevates simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Mastering this technique requires patience and a few clever tricks that separate good from extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures that connect you to comfort food traditions.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this crowd-pleasing favorite that turns an ordinary dinner into a celebration.

FAQs

• Why pound the chicken before coating?

Pounding creates an even thickness, ensuring the chicken cooks uniformly and prevents dry or undercooked spots. It also helps the breading stick better and makes the meat more tender.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

No, buttermilk adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a similar effect.

• How do I know the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.

Chicken Fried Chicken: A Crispy Favorite

• Conquer Comfort Food: This chicken and stuffing bake delivers pure home-style comfort with minimal kitchen effort, making it a go-to meal for families craving warm, satisfying dishes.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can have a delicious, hearty meal on the table without complex techniques or extensive prep work.
• Transform Ordinary Ingredients: Basic pantry staples like cream of chicken soup, stuffing mix, and chicken breasts combine to create a mouthwatering one-dish wonder that feels gourmet but is super simple to make.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its classic flavor profile and creamy, comforting texture.

Gather Chicken Fried Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that will be the star of this crispy, golden dish.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Create a light and crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Add depth and savory flavor to the breading.

• Eggs: Help the coating stick to the chicken and provide richness.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for achieving a perfectly crispy golden-brown crust.

• Paper Towels: Used to drain excess oil from the fried chicken.
• Gravy: Optional accompaniment to enhance the dish's flavor.

Cooking Chicken Fried Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Tenderize The Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it reaches an even thickness.

This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a tender result.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Salt

• Eggs
• Buttermilk

Dunk each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture.

This double-dredging creates an extra crispy exterior.

Step 3: Heat Up The Skillet

Pour vegetable oil into a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan.

Heat the oil until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil, cooking for 5-7 minutes on each side.

The chicken should turn a gorgeous golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Drain And Serve

Remove the fried chicken from the oil and let it rest on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

This helps drain excess oil and keeps the coating crispy. Serve immediately with country gravy, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.

Chicken Fried Chicken – Helpful Tips

• Pound chicken breasts gently to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin for consistent thickness without tearing the meat.
• Double-dredging creates an extra crispy, golden-brown crust that locks in moisture.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a subtle kick of heat.
• Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere better.

Chicken Fried Chicken – Try These Twists

• Southern Comfort Chicken: Add paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne to the flour mixture for a spicier, more robust flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the flour coating for an aromatic herbal chicken experience.
• Buttermilk Ranch Chicken: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix directly into the flour mixture and use ranch dressing as a dipping sauce for extra tangy results.
• Crispy Parmesan Chicken: Blend grated parmesan cheese into the flour mixture for a cheesy, golden-brown crust that adds rich, savory notes.

Serve Chicken Fried Chicken Fresh and Hot

• Southern Comfort Plate: Pair the crispy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and country-style green beans for a classic comfort meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Brunch Delight: Serve atop a fluffy Belgian waffle with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, creating a sweet and savory combination that transforms the dish into a weekend brunch star.
• Sandwich Sensation: Slice the fried chicken and stack it on a soft brioche bun with tangy coleslaw and pickles, turning the recipe into a crunchy, satisfying sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Game Day Appetizer: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo for a crowd-pleasing finger food.

Chicken Fried Chicken – Best Storage Tips

• Store cooked chicken fried chicken in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwave, which can make the coating soggy and lose its crisp texture.
• Always let chicken cool completely before storing. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the breading crisp.

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through this classic chicken fried chicken, delivering crispy golden perfection with a creamy country gravy. Homestyle flavors and simple ingredients create a hearty meal that connects diners to traditional American cuisine.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Tenderize chicken breasts by gently pounding them to create uniform thickness, ensuring even cooking.
2. Create a seasoned dredging station with a blend of flour, cornstarch, and aromatic spices in one shallow dish, and whisk eggs with buttermilk in another.
3. Thoroughly coat each chicken piece by first dipping into the seasoned flour mixture, then immersing in the egg-buttermilk blend, and finally returning to the flour for a complete, crispy exterior.
4. Heat oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F, carefully placing coated chicken pieces to avoid overcrowding and maintain oil temperature.
5. Fry chicken for approximately 5-6 minutes per side, monitoring color and ensuring a deep golden-brown crust develops while maintaining juicy interior.
6. Once chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove from oil and let excess oil drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
7. Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to help retain moisture and serve with warm, rich gravy for a classic Southern-style meal.

Notes

• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to evenly pound chicken breasts, ensuring uniform cooking and tender texture.
• Double-dredging creates an extra crispy, golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and adds delightful crunch.
• Choose a neutral oil with high smoke point like vegetable or canola for consistent, even frying without burning.
• Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe, juicy results every time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg