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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 minutes
Cook Time 19 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4

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.

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

Instructions
 

  • 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.