Chicken Fried Chicken
A Southern classic featuring tender chicken breasts pounded thin, coated in a seasoned crust, and pan-fried to a perfect golden brown. Served smothered in a rich, creamy country gravy, it's the ultimate comfort food.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken and Breading Station
- b.Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
- c.Set up your breading station with two shallow dishes. In the first dish, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 tsp salt, 1.5 tsp black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- d.In the second dish, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together until smooth.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Bread the Chicken
- b.Working with one piece at a time, dredge a chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off the excess.
- c.Dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk-egg mixture, letting the excess drip back into the bowl.
- d.Return the chicken to the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly on all sides to create a thick, shaggy crust. This double dredge is key for crispiness.
- e.Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere during frying.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Chicken
- b.Pour vegetable oil into a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- c.Carefully place two chicken breasts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. The oil should sizzle immediately.
- d.Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, until the crust is deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- e.Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it back on the wire rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Make the Country Gravy
- b.Carefully pour off the hot oil from the skillet, leaving about 4 tablespoons of oil and all the crispy browned bits (fond) in the pan.
- c.Return the skillet to medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of the leftover seasoned flour mixture to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until it's lightly browned and smells nutty.
- d.Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to break up any lumps. Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate the flavorful fond.
- e.Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- f.Season the gravy with the remaining 0.5 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust if necessary.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Place a piece of hot fried chicken on each plate. Generously ladle the warm country gravy over the top and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest crust, let the breaded chicken rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before frying. This helps the coating set.
- 2Use a cast-iron skillet for superior heat retention and distribution, which helps maintain a consistent oil temperature.
- 3Don't overcrowd the skillet. Frying in batches ensures the oil temperature doesn't drop, preventing greasy chicken.
- 4A digital thermometer is your best friend for checking both oil temperature (350°F) and chicken doneness (165°F).
- 5To prevent a lumpy gravy, pour the milk in slowly while whisking constantly. This allows the roux to absorb the liquid gradually.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Chicken Fried Chicken
Increase the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture to 1 teaspoon and add 1 tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk-egg wash.
Chicken Fried SteakChicken Fried Steak
Substitute the chicken breasts with 4 cube steaks, pounded thin. The cooking time may be slightly shorter.
Gluten Free VersionGluten-Free Version
Replace the all-purpose flour with a high-quality measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend for both the dredging and the gravy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Chicken breast is a good source of B vitamins like niacin (B3) and pyridoxine (B6), which are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Chicken Fried Chicken with country gravy contains approximately 650-800 calories, depending on the size of the chicken breast and the amount of oil absorbed.