Chicken Fried Chicken

Food has a unique way of bringing people together. Growing up, nothing reinforced that belief quite like the aroma of chicken fried chicken wafting from the kitchen. My family often gathered around the table, savoring the crispy coating and tender chicken, topped with homemade gravy. Those treasured moments triggered laughter and stories, woven into the fabric of our lives.

Chicken fried chicken stands out as a timeless comfort food that delights both young and old. Preparing this dish transforms simple ingredients into something remarkable. The process of dredging, frying, and saucing your chicken establishes a satisfying rhythm that makes you feel like a cooking pro in no time. Each bite delivers crunch and juiciness, making it a dish everyone craves.

With each family gathering or quiet weeknight dinner, chicken fried chicken always brings a smile. The familiar flavors evoke memories of cherished traditions and the joy of sharing delicious meals. Diving into this recipe brings back fond memories and creates new ones around your dinner table.

Let’s embrace the wonderful experience of cooking chicken fried chicken together in your kitchen. The blend of textures and flavors awaits, promising a comforting feast that everyone will love.

Chicken Fried Chicken Fundamentals

Preparation/setup

Before diving into the culinary adventure of making chicken fried chicken, ensure you have all your house essentials. Start by gathering the necessary ingredients: thin sliced chicken breasts, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, garlic powder, buttermilk, an egg, hot sauce, and oil for frying. Elevate your comfort-wear game in the kitchen and roll up those sleeves—this is a meal that warrants a bit of finesse.

Preparing your workspace can significantly impact how seamlessly the cooking process flows. Clear your countertops, set up a deep fryer or large pan, and ensure you have a reliable heat source. Measure out your ingredients in advance, so you won’t scramble at the last minute. It prepares you for an engaging cooking experience, allowing you to enjoy each step.

Understand that chicken fried chicken involves more than just cooking; it’s about developing a connection with your food. Split your tasks into manageable parts, so the cooking feels less overwhelming. Getting organized brings joy to the process.

Ingredients

To create perfectly succulent chicken fried chicken, start with the following ingredients:

• 6-8 thin sliced chicken breasts
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbs hot sauce
• Oil for frying
• 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 cup milk
• Salt & pepper to taste

The selection of these ingredients plays a pivotal role in the overall flavor. Think about the textured layers—the crispy exterior paired with the tender chicken. Each element contributes to achieving the ultimate comfort dish.

Directions

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pan on the stove to around 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the oil is a few inches deep to allow for even frying.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together your 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until smooth.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture until fully coated, then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, return the chicken to the flour mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
5. Carefully place the breaded chicken in the pan or deep fryer and fry for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and allow to drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Continue this process with all the chicken.
6. For the gravy, take 1/4 inch of the reserved oil from frying in a separate large pan. Heat it on medium-high before stirring in 1/3 cup of flour until fully absorbed. Cook briefly for about 1 minute.
7. Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk, blending well until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Pour the rich gravy over individual pieces of chicken just before serving.

Mastering Chicken Fried Chicken Technique

Technique

Frying chicken to crispy perfection relies heavily on timing and temperature. Ensuring the oil is preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial for optimal results. If the oil is too hot, the outside may cook too quickly, resulting in an undercooked interior. Conversely, oil that isn’t hot enough will lead to greasy chicken lacking that enticing crunch.

Patience while frying is your ally. Resist the urge to overcrowd the frying pan, as this can greatly lower the oil’s temperature, affecting the overall result. Cook in smaller batches to maintain an even cooking environment, which ensures that each chicken piece achieves that golden-brown glory.

Timing is equally important. Keeping track of the cooking duration—3-5 minutes on each side for perfection—provides you clarity on how long each batch will take. This practice paves the way for consistent results, allowing you to serve a delightful chicken fried chicken dish.

Tips/tricks

Here are some essential tips to elevate your chicken fried chicken experience:

• For ultra-crispy chicken, allow it to rest for a few minutes after breading, letting the coating set before frying.
• Experiment with hot sauce levels in the egg mixture according to your personal spice tolerance. Adjusting it adds custom flavor that can become your signature touch.
• Keep an eye on the oil temperature throughout the frying process. If you notice the temperature dropping, increase the heat slightly to maintain that perfect frying temperature.

Investing time in these techniques ensures that your chicken fried chicken remains a favored family recipe worth repeating.

Perfecting Chicken Fried Chicken Results

Perfecting results

Achieving perfect chicken fried chicken involves attention to detail. The foundation lies in the ingredients and their quality. Start with fresh chicken breasts for the most succulent results. A simple tip for extra flavor is to marinate the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours or overnight before coating. This enhances moisture and tenderness, making each bite even more enjoyable.

During frying, observe the color changes. Once the chicken turns a deep golden brown, that signals a delicious outcome. Use a thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety.

Once fried, let the chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate. This step allows excess oil to drain and maintains the crunchiness of the coating. Prepare the gravy while the chicken rests to serve everything while it’s warm.

Troubleshooting/variations

Even the best cooks encounter challenges. If your chicken appears greasy, consider the oil temperature. Increase or decrease it as necessary during frying to create a crispier texture.

For variation, swap up the spices. Try adding cayenne pepper for extra heat or use herbs such as thyme or paprika for a flavor twist. Experimenting with seasonings can turn this classic dish into something uniquely your own.

When it comes to the gravy, if it seems too thick, slowly whisk in additional milk until reaching your desired consistency. For those who enjoy a bit of twist, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or onions to enhance flavor.

Serving and Storing Chicken Fried Chicken

Serving/presentation

Presenting chicken fried chicken at the dining table should feel festive and inviting. Start with a generous serving of golden-brown chicken arranged on a large platter. Drizzle or ladle the creamy gravy over the chicken, letting it cascade enticingly down the sides.

Consider serving with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw to create a balanced, nostalgic meal. Fresh herbs, like parsley, can add a burst of color and freshness as a garnish. This thoughtful presentation makes your meal more visually appealing and adds to the overall experience.

Pairings/storage

Pair your chicken fried chicken with sides that harmonize beautifully. Accentuating the meal with roasted vegetables, macaroni and cheese, or even a crisp salad brings balance to flavors.

Storing any leftovers is essential for preserving deliciousness. Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. In the refrigerator, store for up to three days. When reheating, use an oven to revive that crispy texture for the best results.

Combining thoughtful storage with serving suggestions helps maximize the enjoyment of your chicken fried chicken long after the initial meal.

Chicken fried chicken deserves a place in your heart and kitchen. Embracing its comforting traditions and turning a few simple ingredients into a feast will forever nurture connections, spark joy, and create cherished memories.

Chicken Fried Chicken

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A timeless comfort food with crispy coating and tender chicken, topped with homemade gravy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6–8 thin sliced chicken breasts
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• Oil for frying
• 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to around 325°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, then return to the flour mixture.
5. Carefully fry the breaded chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
6. For the gravy, heat 1/4 cup reserved oil in a separate pan, stir in 1/3 cup flour and cook for 1 minute.
7. Whisk in 2 cups of milk gradually until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Pour gravy over chicken before serving.

Notes

Allow fried chicken to rest for a few minutes after breading for a crispy texture. You can adjust spice levels in hot sauce according to personal preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: fried chicken, comfort food, family recipe