Easy Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Chicken fried chicken is one of the most beloved Southern comfort foods, combining tender chicken with a crispy, seasoned breading. It’s an iconic dish that has graced the dinner tables of countless families for generations, and for good reason. With its juicy interior and crispy exterior, it’s a dish that satisfies both the stomach and the soul.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or something to serve at a family gathering, easy chicken fried chicken is the perfect choice. This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, ensuring that you get the crispy, golden-brown perfection you crave without too much fuss. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, or a side of vegetables, chicken fried chicken is a meal everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

1. Crispy and Tender: The breading creates a perfect crunchy coating, while the chicken stays moist and tender inside.
2. Quick and Easy: Unlike some fried chicken recipes that can be time-consuming, this one is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Versatile: Chicken fried chicken is delicious on its own or paired with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.
4. Family Favorite: This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table, from kids to adults.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Chicken Fried Chicken

Making chicken fried chicken might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a lot easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to create crispy, golden-brown chicken fried chicken that everyone will love!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken: To ensure your chicken cooks evenly and becomes tender, it’s important to pound the breasts to an even thickness. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper, and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound it to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Now it’s time to create the breading that will make your chicken crispy and flavorful.

1. Set Up Your Breading Station: You’ll need three shallow bowls for the breading process:
   • In the first bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
   • In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
   • In the third bowl, place some extra flour for dredging the chicken.
2. Dredge the Chicken: Take each seasoned chicken breast and dip it into the flour mixture, coating both sides completely. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Finally, return it to the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks well to the chicken. Repeat for all the chicken breasts.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping in a small piece of bread or a pinch of flour; it should sizzle immediately.
2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, one at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use tongs to flip the chicken gently, being careful not to disturb the crispy breading.
3. Drain the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This will help keep the breading crisp.

Step 4: Make the Gravy (Optional)

While the chicken is frying, you can make a simple gravy to serve alongside the chicken fried chicken. This step is optional, but it adds a delicious, creamy touch to the dish.

1. Melt the Butter: In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux. This helps thicken the gravy.
2. Add the Broth: Gradually add the chicken broth (or milk, if you prefer) to the roux while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, until the gravy thickens.
3. Season the Gravy: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Once the gravy has reached your desired thickness, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Now that your chicken fried chicken is ready, it’s time to serve! Arrange the fried chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with the homemade gravy, or serve the gravy on the side for dipping. You can also garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley for added color.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken fried chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas for a complete meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side for chicken fried chicken, and they’re perfect for soaking up the gravy.
• Green Beans: Sautéed or steamed green beans make for a light, crunchy contrast to the rich fried chicken.
• Cornbread: Serve with freshly baked cornbread for a comforting, Southern-style meal.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw pairs well with the crispy chicken and creamy gravy.
• Macaroni and Cheese: If you’re craving a cheesy side, creamy macaroni and cheese is an excellent choice.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken

1. Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and gives the breading a tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Maintain the Right Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature is key to achieving a crispy, golden crust. If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn before the chicken is fully cooked. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
3. Don’t Skip the Resting Step: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes on paper towels. This will help the breading stay crispy and prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
4. Season the Chicken Well: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before breading. This adds flavor to the meat itself, not just the breading.

Conclusion

Easy chicken fried chicken is a comforting, delicious dish that can be enjoyed by anyone, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a weekend get-together. With its crispy coating, juicy chicken, and optional gravy, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that everyone will love.

Yield: 4

Easy Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Print

Chicken fried chicken is one of the most beloved Southern comfort foods, combining tender chicken with a crispy, seasoned breading. It’s an iconic dish that has graced the dinner tables of countless families for generations, and for good reason. With its juicy interior and crispy exterior, it’s a dish that satisfies both the stomach and the soul.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. You can also gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
   
2. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until evenly mixed.
   
3. Dip the Chicken: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the beaten eggs and buttermilk. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press down slightly to ensure the breading sticks well.
   
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small pinch of flour into the pan — it should sizzle immediately.
   
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   
6. Drain: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
   
7. Serve: Serve the fried chicken with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, if desired. Pair with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or gravy.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, double-dip the chicken by dipping it back into the egg mixture and then the flour mixture again before frying.

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a similar tang.

You can keep the fried chicken warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you cook the rest of the chicken.