Best Ever Chicken Fried Chicken

Name: Best Ever Chicken Fried Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 19 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 6 thin chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness); 1 ½ cups buttermilk; 1 tablespoon hot sauce; 1 large egg; 2 ⅓ cups flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; Salt & pepper to taste; Vegetable oil (for frying); For the Gravy:; ¼ cup reserved oil from frying; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; Salt & pepper to taste

Author: Adam

Published: March 21, 2025

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Best Ever Chicken Fried Chicken

If you’re craving crispy, golden, and juicy Southern-style Chicken Fried Chicken, this best-ever recipe is exactly what you need! This dish features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts, coated in a flavorful buttermilk batter and fried to golden perfection. Served with creamy country gravy made from reserved frying oil, this dish is a comfort food classic that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Chicken Fried Chicken will quickly become a family favorite!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 19

Marinating Time 30

Total Time 1

Servings: 4

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
6 thin chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness
1 ½ cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 large egg
2 ⅓ cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Salt & pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Gravy:
¼ cup reserved oil from frying
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
Salt & pepper to taste

Equipment

Variations
Spicy Chicken Fried Chicken
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Increase the hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
Oven-Baked Chicken Fried Chicken
Instead of frying, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Chicken
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray.
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thick to ensure even cooking.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Make the Buttermilk Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg.
Place the chicken in the mixture and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra flavor).
Step 3: Prepare the Dredging Station
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and allow excess liquid to drip off.
Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat.
Let the coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to help the breading stick.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, frying 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
In a separate skillet, heat ¼ cup reserved frying oil over medium heat.
Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
Season with salt & pepper and cook until thickened (3-5 minutes).
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Pour gravy over the crispy fried chicken.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or a fresh side salad.

Notes

Storage & Reheating
Storing Leftovers:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5 minutes.
Avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy.

Adam

Hello! I’m Adam, a 34-year-old passionate chef and the creator of The Food Journal.
Welcome to my corner of the internet where flavor meets creativity. Here at The Food Journal, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and food stories — all crafted to inspire your next delicious meal.

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