The Best Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Golden Perfection

Crispy, golden-brown chicken fried chicken beckons with its irresistible crunch and mouthwatering appeal.

Southern comfort meets culinary delight in this beloved chicken fried chicken recipe that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender meat encased in a perfectly seasoned, crackling coating creates a symphony of textures and flavors.

Home cooks adore this classic dish for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing magic.

Each bite delivers a nostalgic punch of comfort and warmth that transports you to grandma’s kitchen.

The secret lies in the perfect blend of crispy breading and juicy meat that makes this recipe a true Southern treasure.

Chicken Fried Just Like a Southern Classic

• Crisp Up Comfort: This chicken fried chicken delivers that perfect golden crunch everyone craves, transforming a simple protein into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen.
• Master Simple Techniques: With straightforward breading steps and basic seasoning, home cooks of all skill levels can confidently create a deliciously crispy dish without complex culinary training.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe satisfies picky eaters and food lovers alike with its universally appealing crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for different sides and sauces, this chicken works wonderfully as a main course for weeknight dinners or weekend celebrations.

Must-Have Ingredients for Fried Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless meat that provides the base for the crispy chicken dish.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: A classic combination that adds warm, savory flavor and enhances the chicken's taste.

• All-Purpose Flour, Eggs, Buttermilk: These ingredients create a thick, crunchy coating that seals in moisture and provides a golden, crispy exterior.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps create a deep-fried texture and allows the chicken to cook evenly and become golden brown.

• Paper Towels: Used for draining excess oil after frying to keep the chicken crisp and less greasy.

Steps for Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken

Step 1: Tenderize The Chicken Breasts

Carefully place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap.

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken until it reaches an even thickness.

This helps the chicken cook uniformly and become extra tender.

Step 2: Develop Flavor Profile

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the seasonings into the meat to ensure complete coverage and deep flavor absorption.

Step 3: Create Breading Stations

• First dish: All-purpose flour
• Second dish: Whisked eggs mixed with buttermilk
• Third dish: Additional flour for final coating

Arrange the stations in order for smooth breading process.

Step 4: Coat The Chicken

• First, coat completely in flour
• Next, dip thoroughly in egg-buttermilk mixture
• Finally, cover again with flour for extra crispy exterior

Shake off excess coating between each step.

Step 5: Fry To Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place breaded chicken into hot oil.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Prepare For Serving

Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Let rest for 2-3 minutes to preserve crispiness.

Serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

Pro Tips for Golden, Crunchy Chicken

• Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and a crispy, tender texture throughout.
• Mix additional spices like cayenne or dried herbs into the flour for an extra flavor punch that elevates the standard seasoning.
• Let breaded chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Use a thermometer to keep oil around 350°F, preventing greasy chicken and ensuring a golden, crisp crust.
• Swap wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining a crunchy coating.

Fresh Ways to Flavor Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a fiery kick that elevates the classic chicken flavor.
• Herb-Infused Option: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the flour coating for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired chicken experience.
• Low-Carb Protein: Use crushed pork rinds or coconut flour instead of traditional flour to create a keto-friendly breading that keeps the chicken crisp and low-carbohydrate.

Plating Fried Chicken for Family Meals

• Southern Comfort Plate: Pair this crispy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and buttery green beans for a classic comfort meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Brunch Delight: Serve atop fluffy waffles and drizzle with honey or hot sauce for a delicious weekend breakfast that will impress family and friends.
• Sandwich Transformation: Slice the chicken and nestle between soft brioche buns with tangy coleslaw and pickles for a crunchy, satisfying sandwich experience.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack the fried chicken cold in a cooler for outdoor gatherings, paired with potato salad and fresh cucumber slices for a portable summer feast.

Saving Chicken Fried Chicken for Next Day

• Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with a tight lid to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy breading.

FAQs

• Why is pounding chicken important?

Pounding creates an even thickness so the chicken cooks uniformly and prevents some parts from being undercooked or overcooked.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk adds tanginess and helps tenderize the meat, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk’s properties.

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

Use a thermometer to check that the oil is around 350°F, or drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles and browns within 30-45 seconds, the oil is ready for frying.

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden chicken fried chicken brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with its perfectly seasoned, crunchy exterior and juicy meat. Hungry diners will savor each bite of this classic American comfort dish that promises pure deliciousness in every satisfying mouthful.

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Ingredients

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Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Breading and Coating:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Egg Wash and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup buttermilk
• 3–4 cups vegetable oil

Optional Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Gently tenderize chicken breasts to create uniform thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring even cooking.
2. Blend paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a robust seasoning mixture, thoroughly coating each chicken piece.
3. Arrange three separate shallow dishes: first with plain flour, second with whisked eggs combined with buttermilk, and third with additional seasoned flour.
4. Carefully dredge each chicken piece first in plain flour, shaking off excess, then immerse in egg-buttermilk mixture, allowing surplus to drip away.
5. Completely coat the dampened chicken in seasoned flour, pressing gently to ensure a thick, adherent breading layer.
6. Warm vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F, maintaining a consistent medium heat for optimal frying.
7. Gently lower breaded chicken into hot oil, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack lined with paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining crispy texture.
9. Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to preserve crunchiness and seal in moisture.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crispy texture throughout the meat.
• Create a bold seasoning blend by experimenting with additional spices like cayenne or smoked paprika for extra kick.
• Double-dredging technique guarantees an extra crispy, golden-brown coating that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Allow chicken to rest at room temperature before breading to help the coating adhere better and prevent uneven cooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg