Crispy Southern Comfort: Homestyle Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Crispy, golden chicken fried chicken tantalizes taste buds with its irresistible crunch and savory flavor.

Southern kitchens have perfected this delectable comfort food that brings everyone to the table.

Generations of home cooks have passed down their secret techniques for creating the most mouth-watering breaded chicken.

The blend of seasonings and perfectly crisp coating makes each bite a delightful experience.

Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, this dish promises to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

You’ll find this recipe so simple yet incredibly delicious that it might become your new favorite weeknight meal.

Dig into this classic comfort dish and savor every crispy, flavorful moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything You Need For Chicken Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the meat and infuses tangy richness, look for fresh, full-fat version.
• Egg: Helps coating stick, provides extra binding for crispy exterior.
• Hot Sauce: Adds subtle kick and depth of flavor, choose your preferred heat level.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy golden crust, sift for smoother texture.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers aromatic savory notes, opt for fresh-ground if possible.
• Onion Powder: Enhances overall seasoning profile, select uniform fine granules.
• Paprika: Provides warm color and mild sweetness, sweet or smoked varieties work well.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces gentle heat, adjust quantity for personal spice preference.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies other flavors, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Contributes sharp, earthy undertones, freshly ground recommended.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures even, high-temperature frying, choose neutral-flavored oil.
• Butter: Creates rich, creamy gravy base, unsalted preferred for better control.
• Milk: Provides smooth, velvety gravy texture, whole milk yields best results.

Kitchen Tools For Chicken Fried Chicken Success

• Meat Mallet: Essential for pounding chicken to an even thickness.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Perfect for marinating chicken and mixing coating ingredients.
• Shallow Dishes: Ideal for dredging chicken in seasoned flour.
• Deep Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: Key for achieving crispy, golden-brown chicken.
• Whisk: Great for mixing buttermilk marinade and creating smooth gravy.
• Wire Rack or Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil from fried chicken.
• Small Saucepan: Necessary for preparing creamy country gravy.
• Thermometer: Useful for checking oil and chicken temperature.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely handling chicken during frying.

Steps To Make Chicken Fried Chicken Crispy And Juicy

• Chicken Preparation

Tenderize chicken breasts by gently flattening them between plastic wrap. Bathe the meat in a zesty buttermilk bath infused with tangy hot sauce, allowing flavors to mingle and soften the protein for maximum deliciousness.

• Flavor Coating

Create a magical seasoning blend mixing flour with aromatic spices that will transform ordinary chicken into a crunchy masterpiece. The secret weapon is combining garlic, onion, and paprika for an irresistible golden crust.

• Breading Magic

Carefully lift chicken from its buttermilk bath, letting excess liquid drip away. Lovingly roll each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to ensure a thick, crispy armor that will crackle when bitten.

• Sizzling Transformation

Heat oil in a heavy skillet until it shimmers with potential. Carefully slide chicken pieces into the golden liquid, watching them turn a gorgeous amber color. Cook until each side reaches perfect crispiness and internal temperature signals complete cooking.

• Creamy Southern Embrace

Whip up a silky country gravy by melting butter and whisking in flour until it develops a rich, nutty aroma. Slowly introduce milk, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and inviting.

• Delicious Finale

Plate the golden chicken and generously drench with velvety gravy. Serve alongside classic Southern companions like fluffy mashed potatoes or warm, buttery biscuits for a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Tasty Variations To Try On Chicken Fried Chicken

• Pro Chicken-Frying Secrets: Expert Tips & Tasty Twists
• Foolproof Coating Technique: Pat chicken completely dry before marinating to help the flour stick better and create an extra crispy exterior. This simple step ensures a perfect golden-brown crust every single time.
• Gluten-Free Hero: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help the coating bind and maintain that classic crispy texture.
• Spice Level Adventure: Experiment with different hot sauce varieties like Sriracha, Tabasco, or Louisiana-style sauce to customize the chicken's heat level. Each sauce brings unique flavor profiles that can transform the entire dish.
• Healthier Cooking Hack: Instead of deep-frying, try oven-baking the breaded chicken at 425F for 20-25 minutes. Spray the chicken with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy finish while reducing overall oil content. This method works great for those watching their fat intake.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Breaded chicken can be prepared several hours in advance and refrigerated before cooking. This trick saves time during busy weeknight dinners and allows flavors to develop even more intensely.

Ways To Serve Chicken Fried Chicken Southern-Style

• Southern Comfort Plate: Pile the crispy chicken atop creamy mashed potatoes, then generously ladle warm country gravy over everything for a classic comfort food experience.
• Picnic Perfect Lunch: Pack the chicken in a sealed container with gravy on the side, add some coleslaw and buttermilk biscuits for a delightful portable meal that'll impress at any outdoor gathering.
• Family Style Feast: Create a big platter with the fried chicken centerpiece surrounded by golden biscuits, green beans, and extra gravy for dipping, encouraging everyone to dig in and share.
• Brunch Breakthrough: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and fresh garden salad for a hearty weekend brunch that transforms this traditional dinner dish into a morning celebration.

Keep Chicken Fried Chicken Fresh For Leftovers

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken fried chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Refrigerated portions stay fresh for 3-4 days when sealed tightly.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to one month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Crispy Reheating Method: Restore crunchiness by warming chicken in preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy coating. Place on wire rack for best results.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare extra batches of breaded chicken and freeze uncooked. When ready to enjoy, directly fry from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time. Perfect for busy weeknights and quick meal solutions.

Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent chicken fried chicken brings Southern comfort to dinner tables across America. Crispy golden coating and juicy meat make this classic dish a perfect hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180 g)
• vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 tbsps butter (28 g)
• 1 ½ cups whole milk (360 ml)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour (15 g)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Tenderizing: Gently flatten chicken breasts between plastic wrap to create an uniform thickness. Immerse in a tangy marinade of buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce for 30 minutes to 4 hours to enhance moisture and flavor.
2. Seasoning Preparation: Blend flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a dynamic coating mixture. This spice blend will provide a robust and crispy exterior.
3. Breading Process: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage. Let breaded chicken rest momentarily to help coating adhere.
4. Frying Technique: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350F. Carefully introduce breaded chicken, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown crust and reaching 165F internal temperature. Transfer to a wire rack for oil drainage.
5. Gravy Creation: Melt butter and whisk in flour to form a light roux. Gradually incorporate milk, stirring consistently until gravy reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
6. Serving: Plate the crispy chicken, generously drizzle with creamy gravy. Pair with traditional Southern sides like mashed potatoes or warm biscuits for a hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

• Flatten Evenly: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to create uniform thickness, ensuring consistent cooking and crispy texture throughout the chicken breast.
• Marinade Magic: Don’t rush the buttermilk soak – longer marination (up to 4 hours) delivers more tender, flavorful meat with deeper seasoning penetration.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain a steady 350F for perfect golden-brown crust without burning. Use a digital thermometer to monitor oil temperature and prevent greasy results.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, adding extra seasonings to compensate for potential flavor loss and maintain crispy coating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg