The Best Homemade Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up a meal that feels like a special treat.
- Crispy perfection: The golden, crunchy coating is hard to resist, making every bite satisfying.
- Juicy inside: The chicken stays tender and moist, thanks to a quick brine or marinade.
- Versatile sides: Pair it with mashed potatoes, gravy, or coleslaw for a complete comfort meal.
Recipe
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Chicken Fried Chicken is a Southern classic that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. This dish features boneless chicken breasts coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and often served with creamy gravy.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and coat again with the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove chicken and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Notes:
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the egg and flour mixtures.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, or your favorite sides.
Equipment:
- Meat mallet
- Shallow dishes for dredging
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine:
Southern
Serving:
4 servings
Nutrition
Chicken fried chicken is a delicious dish, but it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Below is the breakdown per serving.
| Nutrition Facts | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 35g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my chicken fried chicken with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting meal. If I’m aiming for something lighter, I’ll go for roasted veggies or a crisp salad. Either way, it’s all about balancing flavors and textures to make the dish shine.
Classic Side Dishes
When it comes to pairing classic side dishes with chicken fried chicken, I always lean toward options that balance richness with freshness. Creamy mashed potatoes are my go-to—they’re comforting and soak up the gravy perfectly. On the side, I toss together a simple coleslaw or a crisp green salad to cut through the dish’s heaviness. Buttered corn on the cob or steamed green beans add a touch of sweetness and color to the plate. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with fluffy biscuits or cornbread—they’re practically made for dishes like this. It’s all about creating a meal that feels complete.
Healthy Pairing Options
Though chicken fried chicken is indulgent, it’s easy to balance it with lighter, healthier sides that still keep the meal satisfying. I love pairing it with a crisp kale salad, tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted sweet potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness. Steamed green beans or grilled zucchini add freshness without weighing you down. If you’re craving carbs, try quinoa or brown rice instead of mashed potatoes. These swaps keep the meal hearty but guilt-free. Trust me, you won’t miss the heaviness—the flavors still shine, and you’ll feel great after eating. It’s all about balance!
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