Crispy Golden Country Fried Chicken Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crispy golden breading meets tender chicken in this classic southern chicken fried chicken recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved dish with simple techniques and bold flavors.

The secret lies in a perfectly seasoned coating that locks in juiciness and creates an irresistible crunch.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this hearty meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crisp exterior and succulent meat that melts in your mouth.

Paired with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh side salad, this chicken fried chicken transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel of this timeless Southern classic.

Why Country Fried Chicken Stands Out

• Tackle this country fried chicken recipe with confidence, even if you're a beginner cook. The step-by-step instructions make it foolproof and guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Transform your kitchen into a gourmet diner with minimal effort. This recipe lets you enjoy crispy, juicy chicken without spending a fortune on takeout or dining out.
• Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend meals that bring everyone together. Kids and adults alike will devour this classic dish that delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can whip up a memorable meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The marinade technique ensures tender meat, while the crispy coating provides restaurant-worthy texture.

What’s in Country Fried Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless meat that serves as the base for the crispy country-style dish.

• Buttermilk, Eggs, Salt: A flavorful liquid mixture that helps tenderize the chicken and enhance its taste.

• Flour, Breadcrumbs: Dry ingredients that create a crispy and golden coating for the chicken.
• Seasonings: Spices that add depth and flavor to the breading mixture.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil used for deep frying the chicken to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.

How to Make Country Fried Chicken

Step 1: Tenderize The Chicken

Use a meat mallet to gently pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap.

Create an even 1/2 inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking and perfect texture.

Step 2: Dry The Chicken Surface

Thoroughly pat chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Dry surfaces help breading adhere perfectly and create a crunchier exterior.

Step 3: Create Flavor Marinade

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Salt

Submerge chicken in marinade and refrigerate for minimum one hour, preferably overnight.

This process guarantees tender and deeply flavored meat.

Step 4: Prepare Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Breadcrumbs
• Preferred seasonings

Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip.

Press coating firmly onto each chicken piece for maximum coverage.

Step 5: Prepare Frying Station

Heat vegetable oil in heavy skillet until temperature reaches 350°F.

Ensure oil is deep enough for proper frying.

Step 6: Fry The Chicken

Carefully place chicken pieces into hot oil.

Avoid overcrowding pan.

Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Watch for edges turning golden before flipping.

Step 7: Rest And Drain

Transfer fried chicken to wire rack.

Allow excess oil to drip, maintaining crispy exterior.

Let chicken rest briefly before serving for optimal texture.

Tips for Classic Fried Chicken

• Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2 inch thickness for consistent cooking and crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
• Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from chicken before breading, guaranteeing a crispier, more adhering coating that won't fall off during frying.
• Soak chicken in buttermilk mixture for at least an hour (or overnight) to enhance tenderness and infuse deeper, richer flavor throughout the meat.
• Firmly press flour and breadcrumb mixture into chicken to create a thick, even coating that will result in a crunchy, golden-brown exterior when fried.
• Keep oil consistently at 350°F and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure each piece of chicken cooks evenly and develops a perfect crispy texture without absorbing excess oil.

How to Store Fried Chicken Leftovers

• Place leftover country fried chicken in an airtight container and seal tightly. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness. Warm for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating and crisp coating.
• Use as a last resort. Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking and maintain texture.

Sides That Match Country Fried Chicken

• Savor Southern Comfort Pairings
• Sip Crisp Sweet Tea: The classic Southern beverage perfectly cuts through the rich, crispy chicken with its refreshing sweetness and tangy undertones.
• Match with Creamy Coleslaw: Crunchy, tangy coleslaw provides a cool contrast to the hot, spicy chicken, balancing the plate with its creamy texture and zesty flavor.
• Complement with Buttermilk Biscuits: Soft, flaky biscuits soak up the chicken's delicious juices while offering a buttery companion that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Pour Craft Amber Ale: A malty, medium-bodied beer with subtle hop notes cleanses the palate and complements the chicken's crispy, seasoned breading.

Flavor Variations for Country Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use cornstarch as a binding agent for a crispy exterior that meets celiac dietary needs.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap traditional breading with crushed pork rinds or almond meal. Season with extra herbs and spices to maintain robust flavor profile while keeping carbohydrate content minimal.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and hot sauce to breading mixture. Include red pepper flakes in marinade for those craving an extra kick of heat and complexity.
• Baked Lighter Option: Skip deep frying and transfer chicken to preheated 425°F oven after initial breading. Spray with olive oil cooking spray to help achieve golden-brown color and reduce overall oil consumption. Place chicken on wire rack for even cooking and crisp texture.

FAQs

• What makes the buttermilk marinade special?

Buttermilk contains enzymes that help break down chicken proteins, making the meat incredibly tender and adding a subtle tangy flavor. It also helps the breading stick better to the chicken.

• Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

While vegetable oil works best, you can also use canola or peanut oil. These oils have high smoke points and neutral flavors that are perfect for frying chicken without adding unwanted tastes.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy and flavorful.

• Why is it important to pound the chicken to a specific thickness?

Pounding the chicken to 1/2 inch ensures even cooking, prevents dry edges, and creates a consistent texture throughout the meat. This technique helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly without becoming tough.

Country Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy country fried chicken recipe brings Southern comfort straight to your dinner table with golden-brown perfection. Juicy meat beneath a crunchy seasoned coating promises a satisfying meal that connects family and flavor in one delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Coating and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 3/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs (whisked)
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Tenderize chicken breasts to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring even cooking and optimal texture.
2. Thoroughly blot chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture, promoting optimal breading adhesion.
3. Create a marinade by whisking buttermilk, eggs, and salt in a large bowl. Submerge chicken and refrigerate for minimum one hour, preferably overnight, to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption.
4. Prepare a breading mixture combining flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings in a shallow dish. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
5. Meticulously coat each chicken piece in breading, firmly pressing mixture to ensure complete coverage and maximum crispiness.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F. Carefully introduce chicken pieces, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent overcrowding and ensure uniform frying.
7. Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, monitoring for golden-brown coloration. Wait until edges demonstrate browning before initiating first flip.
8. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining crisp exterior. Rest briefly before serving to preserve optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken breasts to ensure uniform thickness, promoting even cooking and crispy exterior.
• Pat chicken completely dry before breading to guarantee the coating adheres perfectly and creates a crunchy texture.
• Marinate chicken in buttermilk mixture for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption, preferably overnight for best results.
• Press breading mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, consistent coating that will result in a satisfying crunch.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F to prevent greasy chicken and achieve golden-brown perfection.
• Use a wire rack after frying to keep chicken crisp by allowing excess oil to drain, avoiding soggy bottoms.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg