Crispy Golden Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Worth Savoring

Crispy and golden chicken fried chicken has been my go-to comfort meal since childhood.

Grandma’s secret recipe always brought smiles around our dinner table.

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when this classic dish arrives steaming hot.

Perfectly seasoned breading creates a delightful crunch that makes every bite memorable.

Layers of flavor mingle beautifully between tender meat and crackling exterior.

Salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika work magic in this simple yet extraordinary preparation.

We guarantee this recipe will become a permanent favorite in your culinary collection.

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Chicken

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic base for creating a crispy and flavorful coating for the chicken.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help create a light and airy texture in the breading.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Foundational seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Buttermilk: A tangy dairy product that tenderizes the chicken and adds richness to the coating.
• Egg: Helps bind the flour mixture to the chicken and creates a more adherent breading.
• Hot Sauce: Provides a subtle kick of heat and additional flavor complexity.

• Vegetable Oil: The primary medium for frying the chicken to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.
• Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the accompanying gravy.

How to Cook Chicken Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Flour Blend

Combine the dry ingredients in a wide, shallow dish.

Whisk together the flour with all the aromatic spices to create a flavorful coating that will make your chicken crispy and delicious.

The blend should include a mix of powders that bring out rich, bold flavors.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Step 2: Create Tangy Buttermilk Wash

In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients to create a zesty marinade that will tenderize and add moisture to the chicken.

The combination will help the coating stick perfectly and infuse extra flavor.

• Buttermilk
• Egg
• Hot sauce

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Carefully dredge each chicken piece through the seasoned flour, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and coat again with the flour blend.

This double-coating technique ensures an extra crispy, golden exterior that seals in all the juicy goodness.

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat oil in a deep skillet or cast-iron pan until it reaches the ideal temperature.

Gently place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, cooking until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully crisp on the outside while remaining juicy inside.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Gravy

After frying, reserve some of the flavorful oil in the pan.

Sprinkle flour into the oil and cook until it develops a light golden color.

Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to create a smooth, rich gravy that will complement the crispy chicken.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Add final touches of salt and pepper to the gravy, tasting and adjusting as needed.

Pour the creamy gravy over the freshly fried chicken, creating a classic Southern-style dish that’s sure to comfort and satisfy.

Pro Tips for Chicken Fried Chicken

• Add cornstarch to the flour mixture for an extra crispy, crunchy exterior that stays perfectly golden.
• Adjust hot sauce in the buttermilk mixture to match your preferred heat intensity, from mild to fiery.
• Let coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the breading stick better and create a crispier texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• If gravy becomes too thick, thin it with additional milk or chicken broth to reach desired consistency.

Variations on Chicken Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to flour mixture for extra heat and bold flavor.
• Baked Lighter Option: Skip deep-frying and bake chicken on a wire rack at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, using cooking spray for crispiness.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use plant-based milk for gravy.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Fried Chicken

• Southern Comfort Plate: Pair the crispy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh green beans for a classic southern-style dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Serve the chicken atop fluffy waffles and drizzle extra gravy, creating a decadent weekend breakfast that will make everyone smile.
• Game Day Appetizer: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, serve with ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing game day snack that disappears quickly.
• Family-Style Gathering: Present the chicken on a large platter surrounded by roasted vegetables and extra gravy, encouraging everyone to dig in and share a hearty meal together.

How to Store Chicken Fried Chicken

• Store leftover chicken fried chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain best quality and safety.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent overcooking and maintain crispiness.

FAQs

• What makes the buttermilk important in this recipe?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it extra juicy and soft while adding a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, which ensures it’s safe to eat and perfectly cooked through.

• Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk is ideal, you can create a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes to develop a similar tanginess.

What Makes Chicken Fried Chicken So Crispy

• Savor Flavor-Packed Comfort: This chicken fried chicken delivers bold, mouthwatering taste with a perfectly seasoned crispy coating that locks in juicy chicken goodness.
• Southern Charm on a Plate: Brings classic southern cuisine right to your kitchen, offering a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's cooking tradition.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Guaranteed to satisfy everyone from kids to adults with its crispy exterior and creamy gravy, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Golden Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Chicken delivers classic comfort with golden buttermilk-marinated chicken blanketed in perfectly seasoned, crackling breading. Crunchy exterior and juicy interior promise a delightful meal that connects you with home-style southern cooking traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Protein:

• 6 – 8 thin sliced chicken breasts

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Wet Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• Oil for frying

Gravy Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) reserved oil from frying
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) flour
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a wide mixing container, creating a seasoned coating mixture.
2. Prepare a separate bowl with buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce, whisking thoroughly to create a rich, tangy liquid marinade.
3. Thoroughly dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then immerse in the buttermilk mixture, and return to the flour coating for maximum crispiness.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even cooking and golden exterior.
5. Carefully lower coated chicken pieces into hot oil, frying for 8-10 minutes, turning once to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. After frying, remove chicken and drain excess oil on wire rack or paper towels to maintain crispiness.
7. For gravy, utilize reserved frying oil in the same skillet, adding flour and cooking for 2-3 minutes until achieving a light caramel color.
8. Gradually incorporate milk into the roux, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
9. Season gravy with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste, and generously ladle over crispy chicken pieces before serving hot.

Notes

• Make flour mixture extra flavorful by adding paprika or cayenne for a spicy kick.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior that doesn’t get soggy.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for perfect frying – too low makes greasy chicken, too high burns coating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg