Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe for Comfort Fans

Sinking your teeth into a crispy chicken fried chicken that crackles with every delightful bite.

Southern kitchens have perfected this golden-brown comfort classic over generations.

Juicy meat nestles beneath a perfectly seasoned, crunchy exterior that promises pure satisfaction.

Generations of home cooks have passed down secret techniques for achieving that irresistible texture.

Buttermilk marinades and precise coating methods create magic in this beloved dish.

The right blend of spices transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

We know you’ll be impressed by how straightforward yet spectacular this recipe can be.

Grab your skillet and let’s make some seriously delicious chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips For Golden, Crispy Fried Chicken

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Soak chicken in buttermilk mixture for up to 4 hours to tenderize and enhance taste. The longer it marinates, the more delicious and juicy the chicken becomes.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Press seasoned flour firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crispy exterior. Let breaded chicken rest before frying to help the coating adhere better and prevent falling off during cooking.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain consistent 350F oil temperature for golden-brown, crispy result without greasy texture. Use a kitchen thermometer to check and adjust heat as needed.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with dietary restrictions. Ensure coating still adheres by using xanthan gum or additional egg wash.
• Healthier Baking Alternative: Skip deep-frying by baking chicken at 425F for 20-25 minutes. Spray breaded chicken with cooking spray to achieve similar crispy texture with less oil.

Storing Chicken Fried Chicken The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken fried chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken will maintain quality for up to 2 months when stored correctly.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Crisp Reheating: For maximum crispiness, use an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. This method helps restore the original crunchy texture without additional oil.

Tasty Sides To Go With Chicken Fried Chicken

• Zesty Southern Sip: Pair this crispy chicken with a refreshing sweet tea or a cold local craft beer that cuts through the richness of the fried coating.
• Comfort Side Symphony: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy buttermilk biscuits, and tangy coleslaw to create a classic Southern comfort meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Bright Flavor Boost: Add a quick pickled vegetable side like cucumber or radish salad to introduce a sharp, acidic contrast that helps balance the heavy fried chicken and creamy gravy.
• Gravy Dipping Delight: Create a complementary dipping sauce with hot sauce, ranch, or honey mustard to enhance the chicken's crispy exterior and provide extra flavor layers.

Flavor Variations To Spice Things Up

• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Swap cayenne for chipotle powder and add ground cumin to the flour mixture. Top with fresh salsa and serve alongside black beans for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken Delight: Mix chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the flour coating. Drizzle with lemon-infused gravy and garnish with fresh herb sprigs for an elevated flavor profile.
• Buttermilk Pickle Chicken: Marinate chicken in pickle juice before the buttermilk soak for extra tangy flavor. Sprinkle crushed dill pickle chips into the flour coating for added crunch and zest.
• Korean-Style Crispy Chicken: Replace hot sauce with gochujang in the marinade. Serve with a quick kimchi slaw and drizzle with spicy gochujang mayo for a Korean street food feel.

FAQs About Chicken Fried Chicken

• Why do I need to pound the chicken breasts before marinating?

Pounding helps the chicken cook evenly and tenderizes the meat, ensuring a more consistent texture and preventing dry or tough spots in your fried chicken.

• Can I skip the buttermilk marinade?

The buttermilk marinade is crucial as it helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor. It also helps the coating stick better and creates a juicier final result.

• What if I don't have cayenne pepper?

You can substitute cayenne with a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot paprika. If you prefer less heat, simply omit it without significantly changing the overall recipe.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a cooking thermometer to check it reaches 350F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of bread in the oil – if it sizzles and browns slowly, the temperature is about right.

Why Chicken Fried Chicken Is Crispy, Juicy, And Irresistible

• Savor Intense Flavor Explosion: The combination of buttermilk marinade, hot sauce, and a perfectly seasoned flour coating creates a mouthwatering blend of spices that makes every bite incredibly delicious.
• Master Super Simple Frying Technique: This recipe breaks down the chicken frying process into easy, foolproof steps that even beginner cooks can confidently execute, resulting in crispy, golden-brown perfection.
• Enjoy Maximum Texture Contrast: The crunchy, well-seasoned exterior gives way to tender, juicy chicken meat, while the creamy country gravy adds a luxurious finish that elevates the entire dish.
• Experience Southern Comfort Magic: This classic Southern-style chicken dish brings warmth and nostalgia to the table, perfect for family dinners or when you're craving a hearty, soul-satisfying meal.

The Ingredients For Chicken Fried Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that becomes crispy and juicy when fried, choose fresh, thick-cut boneless breasts for best results.

• Buttermilk, Egg, Hot Sauce: Creates a tangy, flavorful base that tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle kick, full-fat buttermilk works best for moisture.

• All-Purpose Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice blend that forms a crispy, golden exterior with layers of savory flavor, use freshly ground spices for maximum taste.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil perfect for achieving a crisp, even golden-brown crust, use a high smoke point oil for deep frying.

• Butter, Flour, Milk, Salt, Black Pepper: Creamy, rich sauce that complements the crispy chicken, whole milk provides the best texture and richness.

Cooking Steps For Chicken Fried Chicken Perfection

Step 1: Tenderize the Poultry

• Buttermilk
• Egg
• Hot sauce

Submerge the chicken in this zesty bath and let it marinate, soaking up all those delicious flavors for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Step 2: Craft the Crispy Coating

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

Mix these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and ready to create a crunchy armor for your chicken.

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

Pull each piece of chicken from its buttermilk bath, letting excess liquid drip away. Roll the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, even coating. Let the breaded chicken rest on a plate for 5-10 minutes to help the coating stick.

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or cast-iron pan until it reaches a toasty 350°F. Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, cooking in batches. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Transfer the crispy chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Country Gravy

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Plate your crispy chicken and generously pour the warm, creamy gravy on top. Pair with fluffy mashed potatoes, warm buttermilk biscuits, or your favorite Southern-style sides. Get ready for a comfort food feast that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken fried chicken delivers Southern comfort with crispy golden breading and juicy meat inside. Homemade goodness brings delightful crunch and flavor that brings warmth to dinner tables across America.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Frying and Gravy Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
• 2 tablespoons (15 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Transform plump chicken breasts by gently flattening them between plastic wrap, creating an even canvas for the upcoming flavor journey. Submerge the meat in a zesty bath of buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce, allowing the mixture to infuse depth and tenderness for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
2. Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining flour with a symphony of spices: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic mixture will become the crisp armor for the chicken.
3. Carefully extract each chicken piece from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to cascade away. Generously coat each breast in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a substantial, textured exterior. Allow the breaded chicken to rest briefly, enabling the coating to adhere perfectly.
4. Ignite a deep skillet with vegetable oil, heating to a precise 350F. Gently lower the breaded chicken into the sizzling oil, creating a golden-brown masterpiece. Fry each piece for 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior (165F internal temperature). Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
5. Construct a velvety country gravy by melting butter and whisking in flour until it transforms into a light golden roux. Slowly incorporate milk, stirring continuously until the gravy reaches a luxurious, smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
6. Present the crispy chicken adorned with the rich, creamy gravy. Complement the dish with classic Southern accompaniments like fluffy mashed potatoes or warm, buttery biscuits for a truly comforting meal.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken by pounding evenly to ensure uniform cooking and maximum juiciness throughout each piece.
• Marinate chicken in buttermilk mixture to help break down proteins, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat that stays moist during frying.
• Let breaded chicken rest before frying to help the coating adhere better and create a crispier, more substantial crust that won’t fall off during cooking.
• Control oil temperature carefully to prevent burning the exterior while maintaining a golden-brown color and fully cooked interior.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper amount or adding additional seasonings like smoked paprika or dried herbs for personalized flavor profiles.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Bake instead of frying for a lighter option by placing breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and cooking at 425F until golden and crispy.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F, preventing undercooked meat while maintaining optimal juiciness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg