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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Tenderize chicken breasts with a meat mallet until uniformly thin, creating an ideal surface for crispy coating.
- Immerse chicken in buttermilk for half an hour, allowing the dairy to infuse tenderness and enhance flavor absorption.
- 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.
- Prepare a large skillet by heating oil to medium-high temperature, approximately 350°F, creating the perfect environment for golden, crispy frying.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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