chicken fried chicken

Craving the comforting flavors of Southern cuisine? Treat yourself to Chicken Fried Chicken, a crispy, juicy, and golden-fried dish that brings all the soul and flavor of a classic diner meal.

Perfectly seasoned and smothered in creamy homemade gravy, this hearty favorite pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or green beans.

Ingredients List

Creating this Southern-style comfort food requires a few flavorful components to deliver that signature crispy crust and juicy interior.

Chicken and Breading Ingredients

• 6–8 thinly sliced chicken breasts
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Egg Wash

• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for a subtle kick)

For Frying and Gravy

• Neutral oil for frying (such as canola or vegetable)
• ¼ cup pan drippings (reserved oil from frying)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2–2 ½ cups whole milk (for gravy)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools on hand makes preparing Chicken Fried Chicken both efficient and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Large Skillet or Deep Fryer
   A heavy-bottomed deep skillet or deep fryer is essential for an even fry and consistent heat control.
2. Mixing Bowls
   You’ll need at least two — one for dredging and another for the egg wash.
3. Whisk
   Ideal for combining the egg wash and gravy ingredients smoothly.
4. Meat Mallet (Optional)
   For pounding chicken evenly, ensuring uniform thickness and even frying.
5. Tongs or Slotted Spoon
   Helpful for turning the chicken and removing it safely from the hot oil.
6. Paper Towels and Wire Rack
   To drain and rest the freshly fried chicken while keeping it crisp.

Breading and Prepping the Chicken

Prepping the chicken properly ensures a deeply flavorful and tender bite with every forkful. Follow these steps for success:

Step 1: Prepare the Coatings

Start by whisking together the dry breading mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder

Mix well to evenly distribute the seasoning and leavening agents, which help create a light and crispy crust.

In a separate bowl, create the egg wash by whisking together:

• Buttermilk
• Egg
• Hot sauce (if using)

Set both bowls side by side to create a dredging station.

Step 2: Dredge and Double Dip

Take each thinly sliced chicken breast and follow these steps:

1. First Coat in Flour: Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture to create a base coating.
2. Dip in Egg Wash: Fully submerge the flour-coated chicken into the buttermilk mixture.
3. Final Flour Coating: Return the chicken to the flour mixture, pressing down gently to ensure a thick, well-adhered crust.

Repeat with each piece of chicken, placing them on a plate as you go until ready to fry.

Frying the Chicken

Frying is the heart of chicken fried chicken — achieving the perfect crust depends on maintaining the right oil temperature and cooking time. Follow these steps for success:

Oil Temperature and Frying Time

Set a large skillet (or deep fryer) over medium-high heat and pour in enough oil to reach about 1½ to 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 325°F (165°C) — use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.

Once the oil reaches temp:

1. Gently Lower the Chicken: Using tongs, carefully add 2–3 pieces of breaded chicken into the hot oil, depending on pan size. Avoid overcrowding, which reduces oil temp and can make chicken greasy.
2. Fry Until Golden: Cook each piece for around 3–5 minutes per side, or until the outside is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Drain and Rest: Remove chicken from the oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Continue frying the remaining chicken in batches, always letting the oil return to the correct temperature between batches.

Making the Creamy Gravy

No Chicken Fried Chicken is complete without rich, peppery white gravy poured over the top.

Step-by-Step Gravy Preparation

1. Reserve the Oil: After frying, carefully pour out most of the oil, leaving about ¼ cup in the skillet along with those golden, flavorful bits stuck to the bottom (that’s the good stuff!).
2. Make the Roux: Over medium heat, whisk in ¼ cup flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the mixture turns a light tan color and all the oil is absorbed.
3. Add the Milk: Slowly pour in 2 to 2½ cups of milk, whisking as you go. Stir continuously until the gravy thickens, about 5–6 minutes.
4. Season to Taste: Add salt and a generous amount of black pepper to your liking. Gravy should be smooth, creamy, and luxuriously pourable.

Serving and Presentation

Plating up Chicken Fried Chicken is your moment to shine — it’s all about hearty portions, perfect pairings, and a drizzle (or more) of gravy. Whether you’re going family-style or individual servings, a beautiful presentation enhances the overall comfort-food experience.

Topping with Gravy

Once your chicken is golden, crisp, and freshly drained, arrange each piece on a dinner plate or serving platter. Then:

1. Generously ladle the creamy gravy over each piece of chicken while it’s still hot.
2. Garnish with a sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of chopped fresh parsley for added appeal and color (optional, but worth it!).

Suggested Sides

Chicken Fried Chicken tastes even better with the right Southern-style accompaniments. Here are some traditional pairings that round out the meal beautifully:

• Homemade Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, perfect for soaking up extra gravy.
• Buttermilk Biscuits: Fluffy, soft biscuits are a Southern must-have for this dish.
• Green Beans or Collard Greens: For a veggie balance that complements the richness.
• Mac & Cheese or Corn on the Cob: For an extra comforting Southern touch.

Optional Toppings

• Hot Honey Drizzle: If you enjoy a little heat and sweetness, a drizzle of hot honey over the fried chicken contrasts beautifully with the savory gravy.
• Pickled Jalapeños or Red Onions: Add a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Whether you’re serving on a rustic platter for family dinner or plating carefully for guests, make sure the star of the dish — that crispy chicken — stays center stage.

Storage Instructions

Whether you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers, storing Chicken Fried Chicken properly helps maintain its texture and flavor while also keeping that gravy ready for round two.

How to Store Chicken Fried Chicken

• In the Refrigerator:
  Place cooled chicken in an airtight container lined with paper towels (to absorb excess moisture). Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Separating Gravy:
  Gravy should be stored separately in a sealed container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and stir well when reheating to return it to creamy perfection.

Freezing Instructions

• For Chicken Only:
  Wrap each cooled piece individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Note:
  Gravy doesn’t freeze well due to dairy content and may separate. It’s best to make fresh gravy when ready to serve.

Reheating Tips

To restore that crispy crust while warming the juicy interior, use one of the following methods:

• Oven Method (Best Option):
  Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until heated through and crisp.
• Air Fryer:
  Set to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Gravy Reheat:
  Warm over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to re-loosen the consistency. Whisk well to eliminate lumps.

Conclusion

Mastering Chicken Fried Chicken is like holding a golden ticket to Southern comfort right in your own kitchen. With its crispy breading, tender seasoned meat, and rich peppered gravy, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to beat.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can confidently fry up a batch that’s just as good as any you’d find at a classic Southern diner. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday supper, a cozy family meal, or a special occasion, the unforgettable flavor and aroma of Chicken Fried Chicken will leave everyone asking for seconds.

So grab that fryer, heat up the oil, and get ready to create a plate that’s crunchy, creamy, and completely crave-worthy — Southern hospitality never tasted so good!