Homemade Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes Recipe That Wows

Crispy, golden fried chicken pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes in this classic comfort dish that screams home-cooked happiness.

Every bite promises pure satisfaction with its rich, indulgent flavors.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this dynamic duo of crisp protein and smooth potato perfection.

Juicy chicken pieces crackle beneath a perfectly seasoned breading while whipped potatoes wait eagerly alongside.

Salt and pepper become magical when sprinkled across these simple ingredients.

Generations have gathered around tables, sharing laughter and savoring each delectable forkful.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this ultimate comfort meal that connects memories and delights taste buds.

Why Fried Chicken And Mashed Potatoes Are A Classic Pair

• Nail the Crispy Coating: Master the art of perfectly seasoned and textured fried chicken with a simple flour and spice blend that guarantees a crunchy exterior every single time.
• Foolproof Cooking Technique: Achieve restaurant-quality results at home with precise temperature control and step-by-step instructions that make cooking this classic dish incredibly straightforward.
• Comfort Food Champion: Combine two beloved comfort classics into one satisfying meal that brings warmth and joy to family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Impress guests with a traditional recipe that requires basic ingredients and fundamental cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.

What’s In Crispy Fried Chicken And Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Chicken Pieces: Fresh cuts that provide the foundation for a classic Southern-style main dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Essential spices that enhance the chicken's flavor profile and create a robust seasoning blend.
• Eggs, Buttermilk: Create a rich, tangy marinade that helps tenderize the chicken and promote crispy coating adhesion.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary coating ingredient that creates a crispy, golden exterior for the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic seasonings that add depth and complexity to the flour coating.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying to achieve a perfectly crisp and golden chicken exterior.

• Potatoes: Starchy base that transforms into a creamy, comforting side dish.
• Milk, Butter, Heavy Cream: Dairy ingredients that create a rich, smooth, and luxurious potato texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that balance and enhance the mashed potatoes' natural flavor.

How To Make Fried Chicken And Mashed Potatoes Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Crispy Coating

Pat chicken pieces completely dry using paper towels to remove all moisture. This crucial step ensures an extra crunchy exterior when frying.

Step 2: Season Chicken Thoroughly

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Rub the mixture generously over every surface of the chicken pieces.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Eggs
• Buttermilk

Submerge seasoned chicken in this rich marinade, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 4: Develop Crispy Flour Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Step 5: Coat Chicken in Seasoned Flour

Carefully remove chicken from buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off. Press chicken into flour mixture, ensuring thick, even coverage on all sides.

Step 6: Heat Oil for Perfect Frying

Warm oil in a deep skillet or fryer until it reaches exactly 350°F. Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent temperature.

Step 7: Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Gently lower coated chicken pieces into hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken reaches deep golden brown and internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 8: Drain and Rest Chicken

Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps the coating wonderfully crisp.

Step 9: Prepare Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Peel and quarter potatoes. Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.

Step 10: Boil Potatoes

Cook potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain completely and return to hot pot to evaporate remaining moisture.

Step 11: Whip Potatoes to Creamy Perfection

• Warm milk
• Melted butter

Step 12: Final Potato Touch

• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whip until smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Plate crispy golden chicken alongside fluffy mashed potatoes. Garnish as desired and savor your delicious meal.

Helpful Tips For Fried Chicken And Mashed Potatoes

• Crisp Chicken Coating: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to guarantee a super crunchy exterior that locks in delicious flavors.
• Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 350°F oil heat to prevent greasy chicken and ensure perfectly golden, crisp breading.
• Drain Smartly: Rest fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep breading crisp and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Potato Moisture Magic: Return boiled potatoes to hot pot after draining to evaporate excess water, creating fluffier, lighter mashed potatoes.
• Buttermilk Boost: Soak chicken in buttermilk marinade for extra tenderness and rich, tangy flavor throughout the meat.

Flavorful Variations Of This Comfort Classic

• Herb-Infused Chicken Delight: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage to the flour coating for an aromatic herb-packed flavor profile.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Mix cayenne pepper and hot sauce into the buttermilk marinade to create a fiery chicken experience with extra heat.
• Ranch-Style Chicken Feast: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix into the flour coating and add dried ranch herbs for a tangy, creamy flavor enhancement.
• Buttermilk Ranch Mashed Potatoes: Mix ranch seasoning and buttermilk powder directly into the mashed potatoes for a creamy, zesty side dish that complements the crispy chicken.

Perfect Pairings For Fried Chicken And Mashed Potatoes

• Flavor Symphony Pairing: Crisp chardonnay cuts through the rich, golden fried chicken with its bright acidity and subtle buttery undertones.
• Southern-Style Comfort Combo: Cold, tangy buttermilk perfectly complements the crispy chicken and creamy mashed potatoes, balancing the meal's richness.
• Classic Beverage Match: Amber ale with caramel notes provides a robust, malty counterpoint to the savory, crunchy chicken and smooth potato texture.
• Zesty Side Companion: Fresh, vinegar-based coleslaw adds bright, crunchy contrast to the hearty, comforting main dish, creating a balanced plate.

How To Store Fried Chicken And Mashed Potatoes Properly

• Store cooled fried chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, preserving quality for 2-3 months with minimal freezer burn.
• Restore crispiness by warming chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, using a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms.
• Keep mashed potatoes in sealed containers, consuming within 3-4 days and gently reheating with additional milk to maintain creamy texture.

FAQs For Fried Chicken And Mashed Potato Lovers

• How do I prevent my fried chicken from becoming greasy?

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F, avoid overcrowding the pan, and drain chicken on a wire rack to let excess oil drip off.

• Can I use a different type of milk in the marinade?

Buttermilk works best for tenderizing chicken, but you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

• What's the best way to ensure my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken.

• How can I make my mashed potatoes extra creamy?

Use a ricer for smoother texture, warm milk and butter, and fold in heavy cream while whipping to create a luxuriously smooth consistency.

Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy Southern “Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes” deliver comfort on a plate, blending classic American flavors with homestyle charm. Golden chicken meets creamy potatoes, creating a satisfying meal that welcomes families around the dinner table with delicious warmth.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Meat:

• 4 chicken pieces (whole or cut)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp paprika

Coating and Breading:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior.
2. Combine salt, black pepper, and paprika in a bowl, then thoroughly season chicken on all sides.
3. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl, then mix buttermilk to create a rich marinade for the chicken.
4. Dredge seasoned chicken in buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Prepare flour coating by mixing all-purpose flour with garlic and onion powders in a wide, shallow dish.
6. Carefully coat marinated chicken in seasoned flour, pressing gently to ensure even, thick coverage.
7. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F, maintaining consistent temperature for even cooking.
8. Gently lower coated chicken pieces into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
9. Fry chicken for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Remove chicken and drain on wire rack or paper towels to retain crispiness.
11. Peel and quarter potatoes, then rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.
12. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender and easily mashed.
13. Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to hot pot to evaporate remaining moisture.
14. Mash potatoes using a ricer or masher, gradually incorporating warm milk and melted butter.
15. Fold in heavy cream, salt, and black pepper, whipping until smooth and creamy.
16. Serve hot fried chicken alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, garnishing as desired.

Notes

• Use bone-in chicken pieces for more flavor and juiciness, ensuring a tender and succulent result.
• Allow chicken to marinate in buttermilk mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance tenderness and infuse deeper flavor profiles.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with rice flour or cornstarch for crispy coating.
• Control oil temperature precisely with a digital thermometer to prevent burning and achieve consistent golden-brown crispiness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg