How to Make the Best Chicken Fried Chicken: Recipe & Tips

Introduction

Chicken Fried Chicken is a comforting, Southern classic known for its crispy, golden-brown coating and tender, juicy chicken. Typically served with a rich, creamy gravy, this dish combines the best elements of fried chicken and the comforting flavors of a traditional chicken-fried steak. The result is a satisfying and hearty meal that has become a favorite for many.

The dish is popular in Southern cuisine, where people often serve it as part of a family-style meal. Additionally, this recipe is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – coating the chicken in seasoned flour and deep-frying it to perfection. Furthermore, you can make the dish using boneless chicken breasts or thighs, offering a more convenient, yet equally delicious, alternative to traditional bone-in fried chicken.

Ultimately, Chicken Fried Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that combines crispy textures with rich flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Key Ingredients

To make a perfect Chicken Fried Chicken, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create the crispy coating and flavorful filling. Here’s a list of the key ingredients:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for their tenderness and ease of cooking. These cuts provide a juicy, flavorful base for the crispy coating.
• Flour: Coat the chicken with all-purpose flour to give it a crisp, golden texture when fried.
• Seasonings: Season the flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Feel free to add onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
• Eggs: Beat the eggs to create a sticky surface that helps the flour adhere to the chicken, ensuring a crispy coating.
• Milk: Add a bit of milk to the egg mixture, which helps tenderize the chicken and adds moisture to the coating.
• Oil: Use vegetable or canola oil for frying, as these oils have a neutral flavor and a high smoke point that works well for deep frying.
• Gravy (optional): Traditionally, serve Chicken Fried Chicken with creamy gravy made from the drippings of the fried chicken, adding richness and moisture to the dish.

Additionally, you can customize the seasoning to suit your preferences, adding herbs or spices for a personal touch.

Step-by-Step

Making Chicken Fried Chicken is a simple process. First, bread the chicken, fry it to a golden crisp, and finish it with savory gravy. Follow these steps for a delicious homemade meal:

1. Prep the chicken: Begin by pounding the boneless chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Make the breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour with your choice of seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add milk to create an egg wash.
3. Coat the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the coating sticks. Repeat this step for each piece of chicken.
4. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat enough oil to cover the bottom over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Fry the chicken: Fry the chicken for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the coating is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Flip the chicken carefully to avoid disturbing the breading.
6. Make the gravy: After frying the chicken, use the remaining oil and bits in the pan to make a simple gravy. Add a little flour to the pan and whisk until it forms a roux. Gradually pour in milk and whisk until the gravy thickens, then season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve: Place the fried chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with the gravy. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for extra color and flavor.

Additionally, you can serve your Chicken Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Creative Variations

While the classic Chicken Fried Chicken is always a hit, there are plenty of creative variations you can try to mix things up. Here are some ideas for customizing the dish to suit different tastes:

• Spicy version: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg wash or the flour mixture to create a spicy kick. This will give your Chicken Fried Chicken an extra layer of heat that complements the crispy coating.
• Cheese-stuffed chicken: For a richer version, stuff the chicken breasts with cheese before breading and frying. Cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese work well and add a gooey, delicious surprise inside each bite.
• Gluten-free version: To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure that the other ingredients, such as the egg wash and oil, are also gluten-free.
• Herb-infused coating: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the flour mixture for a fragrant and flavorful twist. These herbs pair wonderfully with the chicken and give the dish a fresh, savory profile.
• Buttermilk marinade: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk before breading it helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor. This step results in extra moist, flavorful chicken that contrasts beautifully with the crispy crust.

Additionally, you can experiment with different dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce to complement the fried chicken.

Nutritional Benefits

Chicken Fried Chicken offers a rich, flavorful meal, but it’s important to consider its nutritional aspects. First, chicken provides a high-quality protein source, which is essential for building and repairing tissues and maintaining muscle mass. Additionally, it is a good source of B vitamins, such as niacin and B6, which support energy metabolism and brain function.

While the fried coating adds calories and fat, the dish can still be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Moreover, using lean cuts of chicken, such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts, can reduce the overall fat content. However, the batter and frying process contribute to the dish’s higher calorie count.

Pairing Chicken Fried Chicken with healthy sides like steamed vegetables or a light salad can balance the richness of the dish. The addition of gravy, which often accompanies the dish, can increase the fat content significantly, but opting for a lighter version of gravy can help reduce its caloric impact.

In conclusion, this recipe offers both protein and vitamins, but it’s best consumed in moderation with healthier sides to ensure it fits into a well-rounded diet.

Serving Suggestions

The Chicken Fried Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and sauces, making it suitable for any meal. First, consider serving it with mashed potatoes and a creamy gravy, which is a traditional pairing that enhances the savory flavors of the chicken. For a fresher twist, serve it with a tangy coleslaw or a mixed greens salad. The acidity of the salad complements the richness of the recipe.

Here are some more serving ideas to elevate your meal:

• Roasted vegetables: Pairing the dish with roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts provides fiber and balances the meal’s richness.
• Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic Southern side that complements the crispy texture of this recipe , adding a slight sweetness.
• Biscuits: Another Southern favorite, soft biscuits can be served to soak up any leftover gravy, adding a comforting touch to the meal.
• Pickles or jalapeños: Add a tangy or spicy contrast by serving the chicken with pickles or pickled jalapeños. These add crunch and balance out the dish’s richness.

Additionally, you can serve this recipe with a cold beverage, such as iced tea or lemonade, for a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty meal.

Storing and Reheating

Properly storing and reheating Chicken Fried Chicken ensures that it retains its flavor and texture. First, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature after cooking. Then, store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to refrigerate the chicken as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth.

If you want to freeze this recipe, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken will maintain its quality for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating options:

• Oven: To reheat, place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Check if the chicken is heated through. This method helps retain the crispy coating.
• Skillet: Reheat the chicken in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side. This ensures the crust stays crispy.
• Microwave: Microwaving the chicken is convenient, but it can soften the crispy coating. If you choose this method, microwave in short intervals (30 seconds at a time) until the chicken is hot.

To maintain the best quality, it’s recommended to reheat only the portions you plan to eat, as repeated reheating can affect the texture and flavor.

FAQ’s

How is Chicken Fried Chicken different from Fried Chicken?

Here’s the revised version with shorter sentences:

this recipe differs from traditional fried chicken in its preparation and serving method. While fried chicken typically involves coating whole chicken pieces in seasoned flour batter and deep-frying them, Chicken Fried Chicken uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. These are pounded thin and breaded before frying. Additionally, this recipe often comes with creamy gravy, whereas fried chicken usually doesn’t include a sauce. Therefore, this recipe offers a richer, more tender texture from the boneless chicken and gravy. In contrast, fried chicken provides a crispier, crunchier bite from the bone-in pieces.

Who invented chicken fried chicken?

this recipe likely took inspiration from chicken fried steak, a Southern classic. Although the exact origin remains unclear, many believe the dish originated in the American South, where frying meat was common. Cooks seeking a boneless, more convenient alternative to chicken fried steak likely began using boneless chicken breasts. This led to the creation of this recipe. Thus, the dish has roots in Southern cooking and has evolved over time into the beloved comfort food it is today.

How to make fried chicken in 5 steps?

1. Prepare the chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices.
2. Dredge the chicken in flour, making sure to coat it evenly.
3. Heat the oil: Heat oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry the chicken: Place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway.
5. Drain and serve: Remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.

What goes with chicken fried chicken?

Chicken Fried Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For example, mashed potatoes with creamy gravy complement the crispy chicken, while coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch. Additionally, roasted vegetables or green beans offer a healthy balance to the richness of the dish. Lastly, serve cornbread or biscuits on the side to soak up any leftover gravy, making for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

this recipe has earned its place as a beloved comfort food thanks to its crispy coating and tender, juicy chicken. It combines familiar ingredients like chicken, flour, and seasonings to create a hearty, satisfying meal. Moreover, its versatility allows for endless variations, such as adding spice or using different cuts of chicken.

Additionally, Chicken Fried Chicken pairs well with many sides, making it easy to customize the meal to suit personal preferences. Whether served with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or a fresh salad, it’s a dish that will please everyone.

Therefore, Chicken Fried Chicken is not only a comforting meal but also a timeless dish. Its rich flavor and crispy texture make it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a hearty, flavorful meal.