Crispy, Juicy Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting the ultimate chicken fried chicken demands a perfect blend of crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor.

Seasoned cooks know the secret lies in careful preparation and precise techniques.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic comfort dish that brings warmth to any meal.

Generations of home chefs have perfected the art of creating golden, crunchy coating that seals in juicy meat.

Crisp edges, tender interior, and a hint of spice make this recipe irresistible.

Simple ingredients transform into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to roll up your sleeves and dive into this delectable journey of flavor and tradition.

FAQs

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds more flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.

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

Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature, which should be around 350-375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.

• What if my chicken isn't crispy?

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before dredging, use fresh oil, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure a crispy exterior.

Chicken Fried Chicken Made Crispy

• Crush Flavor Barriers: Transform ordinary chicken breasts into a crispy, golden masterpiece that breaks through bland meal expectations with bold seasonings and a perfectly crunchy coating.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level breading and frying skills that elevate your kitchen confidence, requiring minimal culinary expertise but delivering maximum deliciousness.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Satisfy hungry family members with a classic comfort food that appeals to both kids and adults, creating instant mealtime excitement with its irresistible crunch and savory profile.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe works brilliantly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, game day gatherings, or casual weekend meals, providing a reliable go-to dish that never disappoints hungry crowds.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Fried Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the star of this crispy comfort dish.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and creates a tangy base for the coating.

• All-Purpose Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: A blend of seasonings that creates a flavorful and crispy exterior for the chicken.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for frying and helps achieve a golden brown, crunchy texture.

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

Stepwise Chicken Fried Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Tenderize The Chicken Breasts

Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts until they are evenly thick and about 1/2 inch uniform throughout. This helps ensure consistent cooking and creates a tender texture.

Step 2: Marinate In Buttermilk

Submerge the chicken breasts completely in buttermilk and let them soak for half an hour. The buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle tangy flavor while keeping the chicken moist.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Coating

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

Whisk these ingredients together in a wide, shallow dish to create a well-seasoned coating.

Step 4: Prepare Frying Station

Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.

The oil should be about 1/2 inch deep and reach approximately 350°F for perfect frying.

Step 5: Coat The Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.

Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a complete and even coating.

Step 6: Fry To Golden Perfection

Carefully place coated chicken into hot oil.

Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning once, until the exterior becomes a deep golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the crust to set and juices to redistribute.

Tips to Master Chicken Fried Chicken

• Pounding chicken breasts evenly ensures consistent cooking and tender meat throughout.
• Buttermilk bath helps tenderize the chicken, creating a juicier and more flavorful result.
• Adjust spice levels in the flour mixture by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper for personal heat preference.
• Let chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil, maintaining a crispy exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking.

Flavor Swaps for Chicken Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour for a celiac-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of traditional flour for a keto-friendly coating.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to intensify the heat and create a zesty flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the flour mixture for an aromatic and herbaceous chicken experience.

Perfect Sides for Chicken Fried Chicken

• Southern Comfort Plate: Pair the crispy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and country-style green beans for a classic homestyle dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack the fried chicken in a basket with coleslaw, pickles, and buttermilk biscuits for an amazing outdoor meal that'll impress everyone at the gathering.
• Brunch Sensation: Serve the chicken atop fluffy waffles with a drizzle of honey or hot sauce, creating a delightful sweet and spicy breakfast that transforms the recipe into a weekend favorite.
• Game Day Appetizer: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, serve with ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce, making it an irresistible crowd-pleasing snack for sports watching parties.

Storage Advice for Chicken Fried Chicken

• Store leftover chicken fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in aluminum foil to preserve moisture and prevent drying out.
• For best results, consume within 2 days of cooking for optimal taste and texture.

Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern kitchens herald this crispy chicken fried chicken as a comfort classic that delights diners. Home cooks can master this golden-crusted favorite with simple ingredients and precise techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1.5 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Liquid and Cooking:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Tenderize chicken breasts with a meat mallet until uniformly thin, creating an ideal surface for crispy coating.
2. Immerse chicken in buttermilk for half an hour, allowing the dairy to infuse tenderness and enhance flavor absorption.
3. Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne, ensuring a complex and zesty flavor profile.
4. Prepare a large skillet by heating oil to medium-high temperature, approximately 350°F, creating the perfect environment for golden, crispy frying.
5. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
6. Carefully place breaded chicken into hot oil, frying for 5-7 minutes per side until exterior turns a rich, deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing both visual appeal and food safety.
7. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, allowing the exterior to maintain its crisp texture while the interior remains juicy and succulent.

Notes

• Pound chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and tender texture throughout the meat.
• Buttermilk bath helps tenderize chicken and adds subtle tangy flavor while creating a perfect coating base.
• Customize spice blend by adjusting cayenne pepper for mild or spicier versions depending on heat preference.
• Let chicken rest on paper towels after frying to absorb excess oil and maintain crispy exterior without becoming greasy.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg