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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Tenderize chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet, creating uniform cutlets for consistent cooking.
- Whisk egg and buttermilk together in a shallow bowl, creating a tangy marinade that will help breading adhere to the chicken.
- Combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in another shallow dish, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- 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.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying.
- Carefully place breaded chicken into hot oil, frying each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken and drain on wire rack or paper towels to preserve crispiness and remove excess oil.
- For gravy, melt butter in a separate skillet, whisk in flour, and gradually add milk, stirring continuously until smooth and thickened.
- Season gravy with salt and black pepper, whisking until silky and well-incorporated.
- 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