Welcome to the heart of Southern comfort food! This chicken fried chicken recipe promises crispy, golden perfection that’s tender on the inside. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this dish pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes and coleslaw. Let’s dive into creating this mouth-watering meal!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Equipments
- Deep fryer or large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
- Wire rack
How to Make Crispy and Delicious: Homemade Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Gently pound them with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness across the breasts. Season them well with salt and pepper on both sides. This preps the chicken by infringing flavors deep into the meat, ensuring each bite is delicious and consistent.
Step 2: Make the Coating Mix
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed. This combination not only gives the chicken its crisp crust but also incorporates the spices that turn ordinary fried chicken into an extraordinary dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. This creamy mixture will bind to the flour mix, creating a luscious coating on the chicken. The buttermilk also acts as a tenderizer, making the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Then dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off before dipping back into the flour mixture for a second coat, ensuring the chicken remains crispy and delights every eater with its golden crunch.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or skillet, filling it to about 1 inch deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature. Consistent heat is crucial for achieving that perfect, crispy exterior without overcooking the meat inside.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil, frying just a few pieces at a time to prevent overcrowding. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep the crust crispy.
How to Serve Crispy and Delicious: Homemade Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
Serve your crispy chicken fried chicken with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, fresh coleslaw, or buttery biscuits. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. This dish shines when shared at family gatherings or relaxed weekend dinners.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To elevate this recipe, try brining the chicken in buttermilk overnight. It infuses deep flavor and makes the chicken extraordinarily tender. Ensure your oil temperature remains steady for the crispiest results, and avoid flipping the chicken too often to maintain the crunchy coating.
High-Protein Powerhouse: Chicken Fried Chicken
Want an extra protein boost? Try adding a protein-rich flour alternative such as almond flour to the coating. Amping up protein content not only enhances nutritional value but also provides energy for the day. It’s a great way to indulge without guilt!
Low Carb Twist on Chicken Fried Chicken: A Savory Delight!
Looking for a low-carb version of this classic? Swap out regular flour for a carb-friendly alternative like coconut flour or almond meal. You can also bake the chicken instead of frying it, reducing both carbs and calories while still enjoying the full flavors of traditional chicken fried chicken.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to regain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the batter soggy.
FAQs
- Can I freeze chicken fried chicken?
Yes, allowing the chicken to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. - What’s the best oil to use for frying?
Vegetable oil or canola oil are best due to their high smoke points. - How can I ensure a crispy coating?
Double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture and control oil temperature consistently. - Can I use an air fryer?
Yes, while it won’t be quite as crispy, it’s a great healthy alternative. - What can I serve with chicken fried chicken?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and green beans.
Experience the Crispy Delight of Homemade Chicken Fried Chicken
This chicken fried chicken recipe offers the perfect blend of savory spices and crispy coating, making it a crowd-pleaser at any meal. Give it a try, share with your friends and family, and let the Southern flavors fill your kitchen. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your thoughts and experiences!
Crispy and Delicious: Homemade Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- paprika
- garlic powder
- buttermilk
- eggs
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
Steps
- Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet to even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, paprika, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs.
- Dip each seasoned chicken breast into flour mixture, then in buttermilk mixture, and again in flour mixture for a double coating.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the chicken into the oil, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.