Crispy Golden Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe for Family Dinners

Crispy, golden chicken fried chicken has been my ultimate comfort food since childhood memories flickered through my kitchen.

Memories of grandma’s secret technique always make me smile and hunger for that perfect crunch.

Southern kitchens understand the magic of perfectly seasoned, double-breaded poultry that melts in your mouth.

Flour, salt, and pepper create the foundation for this classic dish that never disappoints hungry souls.

Buttermilk marinades infuse deep flavor while creating an irresistibly tender interior beneath that crackling exterior.

Restaurants struggle to match the homemade magic of this beloved recipe passed through generations.

Mastering chicken fried chicken means embracing tradition with a skillet full of love and pure deliciousness.

You won’t be able to resist diving fork-first into this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Flavorful Twists For Chicken Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the flour coating for an aromatic flavor boost.
• Spicy Southern Chicken: Add cayenne pepper and chili powder to the flour mixture for a hot and zesty kick.
• Baked Lighter Option: Skip frying and bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack, using cooking spray for crispness.

Serving Chicken Fried Chicken With Southern Charm

• Southern Comfort Plate: Pair the crispy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and country-style green beans for a classic down-home meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Slice the fried chicken into strips and serve alongside coleslaw, cornbread, and honey mustard dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing outdoor feast.
• Breakfast Twist: Top the chicken with a sunny-side-up egg and serve on a buttermilk biscuit with a drizzle of hot sauce for a hearty morning indulgence.
• Sandwich Sensation: Nestle the golden chicken between soft brioche buns with tangy pickles and a smear of ranch dressing for an irresistible handheld delight.

Storage Ideas For Leftover Chicken Fried Chicken

• Store leftover chicken fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap each piece individually in aluminum foil to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid leaving the chicken at room temperature for extended periods.

FAQs

• What's the key to getting a crispy coating?

The secret is double-dredging the chicken in seasoned flour, first dry then wet, which creates a thick, crunchy exterior that locks in moisture.

• Why pound the chicken breasts?

Pounding helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a tender result by breaking down muscle fibers and creating a uniform thickness.

• Can I use different seasonings in the flour?

Absolutely! You can customize the flour mix with herbs like thyme, oregano, or cayenne pepper to add your personal flavor profile.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and juicy.

Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken You’ll Crave

• Conquer Comfort Food: This classic chicken fried chicken delivers pure Southern-style comfort with its crispy golden exterior and juicy tender meat that feels like a warm hug.
• Master Simple Cooking Skills: Perfect for beginners, the recipe teaches fundamental breading techniques with straightforward steps anyone can follow, boosting kitchen confidence.
• Create Family-Pleasing Meal: Kids and adults alike will love the crunchy coating and rich flavor, making it an ideal dinner option that guarantees clean plates and happy faces.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust seasonings in the flour mixture to match your family's taste preferences, transforming a basic recipe into a personalized culinary experience.

Ingredients To Prepare Chicken Fried Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the primary protein for this classic Southern-style dish.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: A flavorful blend that creates a crispy, well-seasoned exterior for the chicken.

• Eggs, Milk: A binding mixture that helps the flour coating adhere to the chicken and creates a rich, golden crust when fried.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil used for deep frying that helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior on the chicken.

• Paper Towels: Used for draining excess oil from the fried chicken to ensure a crisp texture.

How To Make Perfectly Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prep 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’s uniformly thin and even.

This helps the chicken cook more consistently and creates a tender texture.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Coating

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

Stir the spices thoroughly to distribute them evenly throughout the flour mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Wash

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until well combined and smooth. The egg wash will help the flour coating stick to the chicken and create a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dredge each chicken piece through the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off.

Finally, return the chicken to the flour mixture for a second coating, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, accompanied by your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw.

Tips For Juicy And Tender Chicken Fried Chicken

• Pound chicken breasts gently for uniform cooking and tender texture.
• Add extra spices like cayenne or dried herbs to flour mixture for bolder flavor profile.
• Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for tangier, more tender chicken coating.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to prevent greasy and undercooked chicken.
• Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after frying to retain crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Best Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent chicken fried chicken showcases Southern comfort at its finest. Crispy golden breading and juicy meat create a classic dish that delights diners with rich, hearty flavors you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gently pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap until uniformly thin and approximately 1/4-inch thick.
2. Create a seasoned coating mixture by blending flour with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine eggs and milk, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Carefully dredge each chicken piece through the seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Immediately transfer floured chicken into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Return chicken to seasoned flour mixture, coating comprehensively and shaking off any surplus.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet to 350°F, maintaining consistent temperature.
8. Carefully place breaded chicken into hot oil, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until exterior turns deep golden brown.
9. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure complete cooking.
10. Transfer fried chicken onto wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and preserve crispy texture.
11. Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow coating to set and juices to redistribute.
12. Serve immediately with preferred side dishes or accompaniments.

Notes

• Achieve uniform thickness by gently pounding chicken breasts between plastic wrap for even cooking and tender meat.
• Enhance flour coating by adding extra spices like cayenne or onion powder for a personalized flavor profile that elevates the dish.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs without compromising the crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg