Chicken Fried Chicken
This Chicken Fried Chicken is a delicious Southern comfort dish featuring crispy, golden-fried chicken breasts smothered in creamy gravy. Juicy and flavorful on the inside, and crunchy on the outside, this dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or biscuits. It’s a family-favorite recipe that’s perfect for Sunday dinners or whenever you crave comfort food!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups 0.5 lb all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup 0.24 L buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons 0.12 lb unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups 0.36 L whole milk
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch).
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with buttermilk.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the chicken breasts into the hot oil and fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper, and cook until thickened (about 5 minutes).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Drizzle the creamy gravy over the fried chicken and serve warm with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Variations: Add a pinch of thyme or oregano to the flour mixture for more flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a biscuit for the ultimate comfort meal.
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