Description
This classic Southern-style Chicken Fried Chicken recipe features tender, thin-sliced chicken breasts dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in a spiced buttermilk batter, and fried until golden and crispy. Served with a creamy homemade white gravy poured over the top, it makes a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 6-8 thin sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Gravy
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pan, heat a few inches of oil to 325°F (163°C), ensuring it’s hot enough for frying.
- Prepare the dry mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Prepare the wet mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce thoroughly to create the dipping batter.
- Dredge the chicken: Coat each thin sliced chicken breast first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk batter, and return to the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, adherent coating.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 3-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat with all pieces.
- Make the gravy: Using a large pan, heat 1/4 cup of the reserved oil from frying over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/3 cup flour and cook for about 1 minute until absorbed and slightly browned.
- Finish the gravy: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook and whisk until the gravy thickens, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Pour the creamy white gravy generously over each piece of fried chicken before serving for a quintessential Chicken Fried Chicken dish.
Notes
- For best results, use thin sliced chicken breasts, or pound thicker cuts to an even thinness to ensure even cooking.
- The oil temperature should be maintained around 325°F to get crispy texture without burning.
- Reserve some oil from frying the chicken to make a richer, flavorful gravy.
- Adjust the hot sauce in the wet batter to your preferred spice level.
- Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil for a less greasy dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
