The Juiciest Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Ever Made

Southern kitchens have been perfecting this crispy chicken fried chicken for generations, with each cook adding a personal twist.

Generations of home cooks pass down secret techniques that make this dish truly special.

Crunchy, golden-brown coating promises a delightful crunch with every single bite.

Marinating the meat ensures maximum flavor and incredible tenderness that melts in your mouth.

Seasoned flour and buttermilk create the signature crisp exterior that defines this classic comfort food.

Simplicity meets deliciousness in this timeless recipe that connects us to cherished culinary traditions.

I promise this dish will become your new favorite weekend dinner sensation.

Why Chicken Fried Chicken Is the Ultimate Crave-Worthy Comfort

• Satisfy Craving for Comfort: Classic Southern-style chicken fried chicken delivers ultimate comfort food satisfaction with its crispy golden exterior and juicy tender meat.
• Master Culinary Skills: Simple step-by-step technique teaches home cooks professional breading methods, allowing anyone to create restaurant-quality fried chicken with precision and confidence.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and weekend meals that bring everyone together around a delicious, hearty main course that appeals to all ages.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Flexible seasoning blend lets you adjust spices and create personalized taste profiles, making this recipe adaptable to individual preferences and culinary creativity.

Ingredients List for Southern-Style Chicken Fried Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein for this crispy dish.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: A blend of dry seasonings that creates a flavorful and crispy exterior for the chicken.

• Eggs, Buttermilk: A tangy mixture that helps the breading adhere and adds moisture to the chicken.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil that provides the perfect medium for achieving a golden-brown, crispy crust.

• Butter, Flour, Milk, Salt, Black Pepper: A classic combination that creates a smooth and creamy sauce to complement the fried chicken.

How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken That’s Crisp and Juicy

Step 1: Pound Chicken to Perfection

Use a meat mallet to flatten chicken breasts into even cutlets. Gentle, consistent taps will create uniform thickness for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Wet Mixture

• Eggs
• Buttermilk

This tangy liquid will help seasonings stick beautifully to the chicken.

Step 3: Mix Crunchy Dry Coating

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

Blend ingredients thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Thoroughly

Dredge each chicken piece through the seasoned flour, then dunk completely in egg-buttermilk mixture, and return to flour for an extra-crispy double coating.

Step 5: Heat Oil for Frying

Pour vegetable oil into a cast-iron skillet, warming to 350°F. Use a cooking thermometer to confirm precise temperature for perfect golden exterior.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Goodness

Gently place breaded chicken into hot oil. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until achieving a gorgeous, crispy golden-brown color.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried chicken onto a wire rack or paper towels. This step helps maintain that delightful crunch by removing extra oil.

Step 8: Whip Up Creamy Gravy

In a separate skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour. Slowly add milk, stirring continuously until smooth and thick.

Step 9: Season Gravy Perfectly

Sprinkle salt and black pepper into gravy. Whisk until silky and well-blended, creating a rich accompaniment.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate chicken immediately, drizzling warm gravy over the top. Add your favorite side dishes for a complete Southern-style meal.

Handy Tips for Crispy, Flavor-Packed Chicken Fried Chicken

• Pound Perfectly: Use a meat mallet with gentle, even strokes to create uniform chicken thickness, preventing uneven cooking and dry edges.
• Buttermilk Magic: Let chicken soak in buttermilk mixture for 30 minutes before breading to enhance tenderness and infuse subtle tangy flavor.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature, ensuring crispy exterior without greasy absorption.
• Double-Dredge Technique: Press flour coating firmly onto chicken during second dredging to create extra-crunchy, golden-brown breading that won't fall off during frying.
• Rest and Drain Wisely: Place fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent bottom becoming soggy, allowing excess oil to drip away while maintaining crisp texture.

Tasty Twists on a Classic Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

• Spicy Southern Kick: Replace paprika with cayenne pepper and add hot sauce to the egg-buttermilk mixture for a fiery version of the classic chicken.
• Herb-Crusted Country Style: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the flour coating for an aromatic herbal profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Buttermilk Ranch Chicken: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix directly into the flour mixture and add extra dill for a tangy, creamy flavor profile that brings a modern diner feel.
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Blend grated parmesan cheese into the flour mixture and sprinkle additional cheese on top after frying for a crispy, cheesy exterior that adds rich depth to the classic preparation.

Sides That Complete Chicken Fried Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Pairings
• Create a Classic Southern Comfort Plate: Pair the crispy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, and a cold glass of sweet tea for an authentic Southern dining experience.
• Match Tangy Beverage Companions: Serve alongside a crisp hard apple cider or a light wheat beer to cut through the richness of the fried chicken and complement its savory breading.
• Brighten with Fresh Sides: Complement the heavy dish with a zesty coleslaw or quick pickled cucumber salad to provide a refreshing crunch and acidic contrast to the rich, golden-brown chicken.
• Wine Harmony Selection: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Gris or an unoaked Chardonnay that won't overpower the delicate chicken flavors while offering a smooth, clean finish.

Storing Chicken Fried Chicken Without Losing Crunch

• Place cooled chicken in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months.
• Restore crispiness by warming chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, placing on a wire rack to maintain its crunchy exterior.
• Keep leftover gravy in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, gently reheating on the stovetop while whisking to restore smooth consistency.

FAQs for Classic Chicken Fried Chicken Fans

• Why do I need to tenderize the chicken?

Tenderizing creates uniform thickness, ensuring even cooking and preventing dry or undercooked spots in the chicken.

• What's the purpose of double-dredging the chicken?

Double-dredging creates a thick, crispy coating that locks in moisture and provides a satisfying crunch when you bite into the chicken.

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

Use a cooking thermometer to check that the oil is exactly 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of bread in the oil – it should sizzle and brown within 60 seconds.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other seasonings are gluten-free certified.

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Chicken offers a mouthwatering journey through classic comfort cuisine. Golden-brown breading and perfectly seasoned meat create a delightful experience you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Breading and Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Cooking and Frying:

• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for gravy)
• 1 tsp salt (for gravy)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (for gravy)

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Instructions

1. Tenderize chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet, creating uniform cutlets for consistent cooking.
2. Whisk egg and buttermilk together in a shallow bowl, creating a tangy marinade that will help breading adhere to the chicken.
3. Combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in another shallow dish, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip completely into the egg-buttermilk blend, and return to flour for a second coating, ensuring complete and crispy coverage.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying.
6. Carefully place breaded chicken into hot oil, frying each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Remove chicken and drain on wire rack or paper towels to preserve crispiness and remove excess oil.
8. For gravy, melt butter in a separate skillet, whisk in flour, and gradually add milk, stirring continuously until smooth and thickened.
9. Season gravy with salt and black pepper, whisking until silky and well-incorporated.
10. Serve chicken immediately with warm gravy, garnishing as desired.

Notes

• Tenderizing chicken evenly prevents uneven cooking and ensures a consistent, juicy texture throughout the cutlet.
• Double-dredging in flour creates an extra crispy, golden-brown crust that seals in moisture and adds delightful crunch.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking, which prevents dry meat.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain crispy coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 740
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg