This Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a perfectly seasoned, crispy breading and topped with creamy country gravy. It’s a Southern classic that’s easy to make and always a crowd favorite. Serve it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or green beans for a complete, satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Country Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Golden and Crispy: The perfect crunchy coating.
- Juicy and Tender: Buttermilk keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Classic Comfort Food: A hearty, satisfying dish everyone will love.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples make this easy to prepare.
How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with the buttermilk.
3. Bread the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
4. Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), fry the chicken breasts in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Country Gravy
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Place the chicken on a plate and generously drizzle with the country gravy.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for soaking up the gravy.
- Biscuits: A classic pairing for Southern-style comfort food.
- Green Beans: Add a vegetable side for balance.
Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Chicken
- Use Buttermilk: It tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.
- Double Coat for Crunch: The flour-buttermilk-flour method ensures a thick, crispy breading.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep the oil between 325-350°F for evenly cooked, crispy chicken.
- Don’t Skip the Gravy: The creamy country gravy ties the dish together perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and gravy in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F until crispy and heated through. Reheat the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate combination of crispy, juicy, and comforting. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner or a special occasion, it’s a guaranteed hit. Pair it with all your favorite Southern sides for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Let me know how it turns out for you—and don’t forget to share your favorite sides or gravy twists! 🍗✨