How to Make Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken at Home

Chicken fried chicken is a beloved Southern comfort food classic. When done right it yields crispy crunchy and flavorful chicken coated in a seasoned flour breading and fried until golden brown. While you can find chicken fried chicken at many restaurants throughout the South, it’s easy and rewarding to make this tasty dish at home.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know to make chicken fried chicken, from beginning to end. By following these easy steps, you can make the tastiest chicken fried chicken at home for your friends and family.

Overview of Chicken Fried Chicken

Let’s quickly go over what chicken fried chicken is and how it’s different from regular Southern fried chicken before we get to the recipe.

• Chicken fried chicken features boneless skinless chicken breasts that are pounded thin and then breaded and fried. This differs from fried chicken which uses bone-in chicken pieces.

• For a thick, crunchy coating, the chicken is dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in buttermilk, and then dredged again in the flour mixture before being fried.

• Chicken fried chicken is cooked in a skillet with a little oil instead of being dipped in oil like regular fried chicken. This makes the breading nice and crispy.

• While fried chicken is a more involved, time-consuming process, chicken fried chicken comes together quickly, making it a great weeknight dinner.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the step-by-step instructions!

Ingredients Needed

To make chicken fried chicken at home, you’ll need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• All-purpose flour
• Saltine crackers, crushed
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Spices like black pepper, paprika, garlic powder
• Peanut or vegetable oil for frying
• Salt and pepper

I’ll go over exact measurements later when I outline the recipe.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to fry up the juiciest, crunchiest chicken fried chicken you’ve ever tasted.

Step 1: Pound the Chicken

• Take 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and trim any excess fat or sinew.

• Place the chicken breasts between pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to a 1⁄4 inch thickness.

• This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. Don’t overdo it though—you don’t want the chicken to fall apart.

• Season the pounded chicken breasts all over with salt and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

• In one shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1⁄2 cup crushed saltine crackers, and seasonings. I like 2 teaspoons each of black pepper, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper.

• In a second shallow bowl, beat together 2 eggs and 1⁄2 cup buttermilk. This will be your wet dip.

• Set up your bowls side by side for easy breading.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

• Take one chicken breast and dredge it through the seasoned flour mixture first, pressing to coat all over.

• Next, dip the chicken into the buttermilk egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.

• Finally, place the chicken back into the flour and turn to coat completely. Repeat with remaining chicken.

• Refrigerate breaded chicken for 15 minutes before frying. This helps set the crust.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

• Pour 1⁄2 inch of peanut or vegetable oil into a large cast iron skillet and heat to 350°F.

• Working in batches, carefully place chicken into hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

• Monitor oil temperature and adjust heat as needed to maintain 350°F.

• Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.

And that’s it! With these simple steps, you’ll have the crispiest, most flavorful chicken fried chicken ready in less than 30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken fried chicken tastes great on its own, hot and fresh from the fryer. But here are some tasty ways to serve it:

• Make chicken fried chicken sandwiches on brioche buns with pickles and mayo.

• Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese or coleslaw.

• Smother it in sawmill or sausage gravy for the ultimate comfort food meal.

• Eat it with waffles, eggs and bacon for a decadent chicken fried chicken breakfast.

No matter how you serve it up, this homemade chicken fried chicken is sure satisfy your Southern comfort cravings. Enjoy this crispy, crunchy chicken feast with your family and friends.

FAQs

If you’re new to frying chicken at home, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What type of oil is best for frying chicken?

I recommend peanut, vegetable or canola oil which have high smoke points and neutral flavors. Avoid olive oil which can burn.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

Use a deep fry or candy thermometer to monitor temperature and heat oil to 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of breading into oil. It should sizzle immediately but not burn.

Can I make chicken fried chicken in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Follow all the steps for breading then cook at 375°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway. The chicken won’t be quite as crunchy but still delicious.

Is buttermilk required for the wet dip?

You can substitute regular milk combined with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. The acid helps the breading adhere.

How long does homemade chicken fried chicken keep?

It’s best served immediately but leftovers will keep in the fridge 3-4 days. Reheat in a 375° oven until hot and crispy.

Conclusion