If you crave that ultimate southern comfort food that’s crunchy, juicy, and wildly satisfying, Chicken Fried Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. Picture golden, crispy chicken cutlets—tender and flavorful inside—smothered with creamy homemade gravy. Every bite delivers the coziness of Sunday supper with the irresistible crunch of classic diner fare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Double-Dipped Crunch: The unique flour-egg-flour breading creates the ultimate, shattering crust on every bite.
- Buttery, Comforting Gravy: That creamy homemade gravy just melts over the crispy chicken and ties everything together.
- Family-Friendly Classic: Chicken Fried Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast at any dinner table—kids love it as much as grown-ups!
- Quick & Simple Prep: No special equipment or fancy ingredients required; you’ll be serving up southern magic in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Chicken Fried Chicken is chosen for maximum flavor and that signature satisfying crunch. From the juicy chicken coated in flavorful seasoning to the just-spicy-enough batter and irresistibly creamy gravy—each component brings its own irresistible magic to the plate.
- Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts: Using thin slices means the chicken cooks up quickly and stays perfectly juicy—no dryness here!
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives the chicken that hearty southern-style breading and helps create those irresistible crispy ridges.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: A dash of both makes the breading extra light and beautifully crisp—never heavy or soggy.
- Salt & Pepper: Classic seasoning for both flour and gravy, making every bite flavorful inside and out.
- Garlic Powder: Just enough to add depth and a savory backbone to every crunchy bite.
- Buttermilk: The secret to tangy, ultra-moist chicken and a golden-brown crust that clings.
- Egg: Helps the breading stick and enriches everything for a tender coating.
- Hot Sauce: Adds a touch of southern heat without overwhelming the rest of the flavors—totally customizable!
- Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point (like vegetable or canola) for safe, even cooking and irresistibly crisp edges.
- For the Gravy: Reserved Frying Oil, Flour, Milk, and Salt & Pepper: This is where all those big southern flavors come together to make chicken fried chicken truly sing.
Variations
Chicken Fried Chicken is endlessly adaptable—whether you crave more spice, want to lighten it up, or need to make it gluten-free, there’s a twist for everyone. Don’t be shy about making it your own!
- Spicier Breading: Add extra hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture or sprinkle a little cayenne pepper into the flour for a fiery kick.
- Gluten-Free: Swap in a high-quality gluten-free flour blend for the breading and gravy—you’ll still get all that crunch and comfort.
- Oven-Fried: For a lighter spin, spray the breaded chicken with oil and bake at 425ºF on a wire rack until golden and crispy.
- Alternative Proteins: Try this technique with boneless pork chops or even extra-firm tofu for a fun twist!
How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Breading Stations
Begin by setting up two large shallow bowls—one for the seasoned flour, and one for the buttermilk mixture. In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the other, mix buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until smooth. This organized setup keeps the workflow smooth and the mess to a minimum!
Step 2: Dredge Chicken for Maximum Crunch
Working with one chicken breast at a time, dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, dip into the buttermilk/egg bath, then press it firmly back into the flour so every nook gets fully coated. For the signature “chicken fried” crust, don’t rush this step—press down so the breading clings like a cozy blanket.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat a few inches of oil in a deep fryer or sturdy skillet to 325°F (use a thermometer if you can). Fry each piece for 3–5 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and irresistibly crisp—don’t crowd the pan! Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, repeating as needed with the rest of the chicken.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy
Pour about 1/4 cup of your reserved frying oil into a clean pan and heat over medium-high. Stir in flour and cook for a minute, then slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting as you go for that just-right balance of richness and spice. This gravy is truly what takes Chicken Fried Chicken over the top!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Serve each golden-fried cutlet with a generous ladle of warm gravy. It’s the soulful, southern comfort meal you’ll want to linger over—don’t forget extra napkins!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Fried Chicken
- Press for Success: After the final dredge in flour, gently but firmly press the breading onto the chicken for that foolproof, signature crust.
- Temperature Matters: Keep your oil at 325°F—too hot and the outside burns before the chicken cooks, too cool and the breading gets greasy.
- Batch Cooking: Fry in batches and let the oil return to temp between rounds for even, golden results every time.
- Use Buttermilk (Don’t Skip!): The buttermilk adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist—regular milk just can’t compete.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Chicken
Garnishes
Add a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for color, or a pinch of smoked paprika on the gravy for a gentle kick and inviting pop of red. A wedge of lemon on the side will cut the richness if you crave that extra brightness—little touches make Chicken Fried Chicken irresistibly pretty and fresh!
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with old-school mashed potatoes and green beans, but buttery corn on the cob, collard greens, or a crisp slaw also make perfect partners. Flaky buttermilk biscuits or cornbread are right at home next to a platter of Chicken Fried Chicken—ideal for mopping up that glorious gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Chicken Fried Chicken sliders—tuck smaller cutlets and a drizzle of gravy into soft dinner rolls. Or, slice the chicken into strips and make the ultimate southern “chicken & gravy” loaded fries. On a buffet, pile cutlets high on a platter with a gravy boat for guests to pour their own, family-style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers. The chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, staying crispy enough for quick lunches or a repeat southern supper.
Freezing
Chicken Fried Chicken freezes beautifully! Let the fried chicken cool, then lay the cutlets flat on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer bag. Gravy can be frozen in portioned containers—just know it may need a quick whisk when reheated to get creamy again.
Reheating
To keep that delicious crunch, reheat chicken in a 375ºF oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy. Warm the gravy gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, whisking until smooth before pouring over your revived Chicken Fried Chicken.
FAQs
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What makes Chicken Fried Chicken different from fried chicken?
Chicken Fried Chicken features boneless, thin-sliced chicken breasts that are double-dipped in seasoned flour and buttermilk, giving a tender, steak-like texture and supreme crunch—plus it’s always served with creamy gravy. Traditional fried chicken usually uses bone-in pieces and goes straight from buttermilk to flour once before frying.
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Can I make Chicken Fried Chicken without buttermilk?
Buttermilk is the magic behind the moist, tangy chicken and crispy crust, but you can make your own substitute! Combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with regular milk to equal the total amount needed, let it sit for a few minutes, then use as directed.
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How do I keep the breading from falling off?
For the perfect Chicken Fried Chicken crust, pat the chicken dry, make sure it’s fully coated after each dip, and let it rest for a few minutes before frying. Don’t forget to press the breading on—this helps it really cling, and keeps everything crunchy after frying!
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What oil is best for frying Chicken Fried Chicken?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola, or peanut oil. These oils allow the chicken to get super crispy without burning or adding any off flavors. Avoid olive oil or butter, as they can scorch and overpower the breading.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll treat yourself—and your loved ones—to a plate of homemade Chicken Fried Chicken soon. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with warmth, brings smiles to every face, and turns even an ordinary weeknight into something special and memorable. Happy frying!
PrintChicken Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Frying
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
A delicious and comforting Southern favorite, Chicken Fried Chicken is a crispy and flavorful dish perfect for a hearty meal. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and served with a rich homemade gravy.
Ingredients
Chicken Fried Chicken:
- 6-8 thin sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbs hot sauce
- Oil for frying
Gravy:
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cup milk
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan on the stove to 325°F.
- Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in the buttermilk mixture, then coat again with flour.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in the hot oil for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Gravy: In a pan, combine reserved oil and flour. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Pour gravy over the fried chicken before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg