Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe for Comfort Food Fans

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this crispy chicken fried chicken that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Grandmothers across Texas perfected the technique generations ago.

Layers of golden, crunchy breading hide tender meat underneath a perfectly seasoned exterior.

Buttermilk marinades work magic in tenderizing each succulent piece before coating.

Secrets passed down through family traditions make this dish more than just a meal.

Crisp edges and juicy interiors create a harmony that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the flour mixture special?

The flour mixture combines baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create a flavorful and crispy coating that helps the breading stick perfectly to the chicken.

• Why use buttermilk in the recipe?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and creates a tangy flavor while ensuring a moist, juicy interior. The acid in buttermilk breaks down proteins, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.

• How do I get a crispy coating on the chicken?

Double-dredging is key – coat the chicken in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat again in flour, pressing firmly to help the breading stick. This technique creates a thick, crunchy exterior that stays crisp.

• Can I adjust the hot sauce in the recipe?

Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the hot sauce to match your personal spice preference. The hot sauce adds a subtle kick that enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

What Makes Chicken Fried Chicken So Crispy

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers classic southern-style comfort food that brings everyone together, creating warm memories around the dinner table.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a go-to option for busy home cooks craving delicious homemade meals without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Meal Option: Adaptable for various occasions like weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or weekend family meals, satisfying different taste preferences with its crispy exterior and juicy chicken.

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy meat ready for a crispy coating.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Perfect blend for a crunchy exterior.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Flavor boosters for the seasoning mix.

• Buttermilk, Egg, Hot Sauce: Moisture and tangy kick for the chicken coating.

• Milk, Flour, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic components for a creamy white gravy.

• Vegetable Oil: Needed for frying and making gravy.

How to Fry Chicken the Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Flour

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Whisk these ingredients together until well combined and set aside.

Step 2: Create Buttermilk Wash

• Buttermilk
• Egg
• Hot sauce

Whisk until smooth and thoroughly mixed.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dredge each chicken piece through the process:

First coat chicken in seasoned flour mixture.

Dip into buttermilk wash.

Return to flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, even coating.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour oil into a deep fryer or large pan.

Heat oil to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ensure oil is deep enough to submerge chicken pieces.

Step 5: Fry Chicken

Carefully place coated chicken into hot oil.

Fry each side for 3-5 minutes.

Cook until exterior turns golden brown and crispy.

Remove chicken and drain on paper towel-lined plate.

Step 6: Prepare Creamy Gravy

In a separate pan, use leftover cooking oil.

Heat oil on medium-high heat.

Stir in flour until completely absorbed.

Cook for approximately one minute.

Slowly add milk, whisking continuously.

Heat until gravy thickens.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pour warm gravy over individual chicken pieces.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Smart Tips for Chicken Fried Chicken

• Press flour mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crispy layer that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Maintain consistent 325°F oil heat for even cooking and golden-brown exterior without burning.
• Soak chicken in buttermilk beforehand to tenderize meat and enhance overall juiciness and flavor absorption.
• Let fried chicken rest on paper towels to absorb extra grease and maintain crispy texture.
• Whisk milk slowly into roux and stir continuously to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, creamy gravy.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Fried Chicken

• Store leftover chicken fried chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat chicken in short 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to avoid rubbery texture, typically taking 1-2 minutes total.
• Consume refrigerated chicken fried chicken within 3-4 days for best quality and safety, discarding if any unusual odor or appearance develops.

Best Pairings for Fried Chicken

Savory Southern Soulmates: Drink and Side Pairings

• Bold Beer Companion: Crisp, hoppy pale ale cuts through the chicken's richness, refreshing your palate with each bite.
• Southern Comfort Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes and tangy coleslaw balance the crispy, golden chicken's hearty texture.
• Wine Whisper Pairing: Bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc cleanses the palate, complementing the dish's deep-fried flavors.
• Sweet Tea Symphony: Classic Southern sweet tea provides a traditional, cooling counterpoint to the spicy, hot chicken.

Fried Chicken Variations You’ll Enjoy

• Gluten-Free Chicken: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use cornstarch for extra crispiness.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for breading, using heavy cream instead of milk in gravy.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk and dairy milk, and replace egg with plant-based egg substitute or additional buttermilk alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Add chili powder and cumin to flour mixture, mix cayenne pepper into hot sauce for extra heat, serve with salsa or pepper jack cheese.

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern comfort soars with this crispy chicken fried chicken, promising golden-brown perfection and irresistible crunch. Hearty flavors and homestyle charm make this classic dish a soulful celebration of home cooking you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 6–8 thin sliced chicken breasts

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare a seasoned flour mixture by combining flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. In a separate container, whisk buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until thoroughly blended.
3. Create a dredging station with the prepared flour and liquid mixtures.
4. Coat each chicken piece completely by first rolling in the seasoned flour, then dipping into the buttermilk mixture, and finally returning to the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating.
5. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 325 degrees fahrenheit, maintaining a depth of a few inches.
6. Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil, frying each side for 3-5 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior.
7. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and repeat the process with remaining pieces.
8. For the gravy, utilize the residual cooking oil from the chicken in a large pan, heating it over medium-high temperature.
9. Incorporate flour into the oil, stirring until completely absorbed and cooking for approximately one minute to develop a roux.
10. Gradually introduce milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps, heating until the mixture thickens.
11. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for desired flavor profile.
12. Serve individual chicken pieces with a generous drizzle of warm gravy overtop.

Notes

• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to help coating stick better and create crispier texture.
• For extra crunch, let breaded chicken rest 10 minutes before frying to help breading adhere.
• Experiment with different hot sauces to customize heat level and flavor profile of the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 218 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg