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Chicken Fried Chicken
In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the delightful allure of Chicken Fried Chicken. Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken fried to perfection, enveloped in a rich, creamy gravy. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings nostalgia and warmth, often evoking memories of family gatherings around the dinner table. Whether it’s a weekend feast or a casual weeknight dinner, Chicken Fried Chicken stands out as a hearty choice that promises flavors and satisfaction with every bite.
Why You’ll Love Making It
What makes this recipe special is its ability to transform a simple chicken breast into a mouthwatering dish that feels indulgent yet accessible. Chicken Fried Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests at a gathering. It’s surprisingly budget-friendly, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Plus, its versatility means it can fit seamlessly into various occasions, be it a Sunday brunch or a festive holiday dinner.
"This Chicken Fried Chicken is the epitome of comfort food! The crispy exterior and creamy gravy made me go back for seconds!" – A Happy Cook
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It
Cooking Chicken Fried Chicken might seem daunting, but it’s pretty straightforward when you break it down. The essence lies in the double-dipping technique that coats the chicken in a flavorful, crunchy crust. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Prepare a seasoned flour mixture.
- Create a flavorful egg and buttermilk dip.
- Dredge the chicken, dip it, and dredge it again for extra crispiness.
- Fry until golden brown, then prepare a luscious gravy to pour over the top.
Gather Your Ingredients
To recreate this delicious dish, you’ll need the following:
- 6-8 thin sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups flour (plus 1/3 cup for gravy)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to your spice level)
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 2 cups milk
Feel free to swap the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a richer flavor, or use almond milk as a dairy-free alternative for the buttermilk.
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Step-by-Step Directions
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Prepare the Oil: Heat your oil in a deep fryer or a large pan until it reaches 325°F. You’ll want about a few inches deep for frying.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder thoroughly.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
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Dredge the Chicken: Take each piece of chicken and first coat it in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken for a good coat.
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Fry: Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
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Make the Gravy: In a large pan, add 1/4 inch of reserved oil from frying and heat on medium-high. Stir in the extra flour until absorbed and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and let it thicken, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Pour gravy over each chicken piece before serving!
Tips for Serving
Chicken Fried Chicken shines when served with traditional sides. Consider pairing it with crispy mashed potatoes, Southern-style collard greens, or buttery corn on the cob. For a lighter touch, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the rich flavors brilliantly. A side of biscuits always complements this dish beautifully, perfect for soaking up that delicious gravy!
Best Way to Store Chicken Fried Chicken
To keep your Chicken Fried Chicken fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to two months. When reheating, ensure to warm it gently so that the chicken retains its crispiness. Use an oven instead of a microwave for the best results.
Pro Chef Tips
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Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, consider pounding the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness. This will help them fry evenly and reduce the cooking time.
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Oil Temperature: Investing in a reliable thermometer is key; maintaining the right oil temperature ensures a crispy crust without greasy chicken.
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Let It Rest: After frying, allow your chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try adding different flavors to your Chicken Fried Chicken. Consider infusing your flour with herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fresh touch. Alternatively, experiment with spicy seasonings or hot pepper flakes in the dredging mix for a zesty kick. You can also top it with crispy bacon or serve it with a side of jalapeño gravy for an exciting twist!
Your Questions Answered
What is the prep time for Chicken Fried Chicken?
Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Skin-on chicken tends to have more flavor. Just be cautious about adjusting the frying time.
How do I know my chicken is cooked through?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F. A meat thermometer is a reliable way to check!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! By using gluten-free flour and ensuring any added ingredients are certified gluten-free, you can make a delicious gluten-free version.
How can I ensure my fried chicken stays crispy?
Avoid stacking the fried chicken on top of each other; allow space between pieces to keep them crisp.
This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe combines simplicity with flavor, making it a must-try for any comfort food lover. Enjoy the process and savor the rewards — a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion!
Print
Chicken Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful comfort food dish featuring crispy fried chicken in a rich, creamy gravy, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 thin sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups flour (plus 1/3 cup for gravy)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to your spice level)
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Heat your oil in a deep fryer or a large pan until it reaches 325°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder thoroughly.
- In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture.
- Carefully place the chicken in hot oil and fry for 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- On medium-high heat, in a large pan, stir in 1/4 inch of reserved oil and extra flour until absorbed, then gradually whisk in milk and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour gravy over each chicken piece before serving.
Notes
Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after frying for juiciness, and avoid stacking to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Chicken Fried Chicken, Comfort Food, Southern Cooking
