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Every time I make this Chicken Fried Chicken, it reminds me of Sunday dinners with my family. The smell of the crispy, golden chicken frying in the kitchen brings back memories of laughter and love shared around our dinner table. I can still hear my grandmother’s voice as she guided me through the family recipe, her gentle hands teaching me the importance of each step. As you cook this dish, I hope you feel the same warmth and comfort that fills my heart every time I whip it up. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked, and it might just become a beloved tradition in your home too!
How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
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Boneless skinless chicken breasts: This is the star of the dish. You want them to be tender and juicy inside while having a nice crispy coating outside.
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All-purpose flour: The flour acts as the base for your breading and gives that beautiful crunchy texture.
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Egg: This helps the breading stick to the chicken.
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Milk: A bit of milk mixed into your egg adds richness to the flavor.
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Breadcrumbs: They add an extra layer of crunch that you’ll absolutely love!
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Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the chicken’s natural flavors.
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Vegetable oil: For frying. Make sure you use plenty of oil so your chicken can fry up nice and crispy.
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Country white gravy: This creamy goodness is what truly elevates the dish. It’s the perfect companion to your crispy chicken.
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Fresh ground black pepper: A generous sprinkle just before serving adds a nice finishing touch.
I love adding fresh herbs like rosemary to my breading sometimes—it makes the chicken smell and taste amazing!
Cooking Steps:
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Prepare the chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.
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Set up your breading station: In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk—this mixture is your binding agent.
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Coat the chicken: Take each chicken breast, dip it into the egg mixture, shake off the excess, and then dredge it in the flour mixture until fully coated. You want that good coverage!
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Add the breadcrumbs: Next, press the breaded chicken into the breadcrumbs to give it that extra crunch. Make sure to cover every surface—you don’t want any bare spots!
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Heat the oil: In a deep skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom and heat it over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to fry the chicken but not so hot that it smokes.
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Fry the chicken: Once the oil is ready, carefully add the coated chicken breasts. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they’re a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Drain and rest: Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes.
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Make the gravy: In the same skillet, you can make your country white gravy. Whisk in some flour to the remaining oil until it’s combined, then slowly add milk while continuing to whisk until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
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Serve it up: Serve the crispy chicken slathered with the warm gravy—and don’t forget to spoon extra gravy on the side!
Why I Love Making This Dish
Chicken Fried Chicken holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories created while making it. I love the whole process—from the sizzling sound of the chicken frying to the aroma that fills my home. It takes me back to my childhood, and I cherish every moment of preparing it.
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What You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe—just a good frying pan and a couple of bowls. Make sure to have a meat mallet or a rolling pin on hand for pounding the chicken. It’s the best part! And don’t forget a slotted spoon to help remove the chicken from the hot oil and serve it up.
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Step-by-Step Guide
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First, preheat the oven to 375°F if you want to keep the chicken warm while you finish frying. Trust me, this is key for that crispy skin!
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Prepare your chicken by pounding it until it’s even. This step makes a world of difference.
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Set up two bowls: one for the egg and milk mixture and another for the flour with salt and pepper.
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Start dipping your chicken breasts in the egg mixture, then dredge them in the seasoned flour.
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Press the chicken into the breadcrumbs for extra crunch; this is where you can really boost the flavor!
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Heat up your oil, testing it with a small piece of bread. If it sizzles, you’re ready!
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Fry the chicken until golden brown, flipping halfway through. The smell at this point is nothing short of heavenly!
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Drain your chicken and prepare the gravy in that beautiful, flavorful oil.
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Serve with lots of gravy and bask in the compliments coming your way!
Tips for Perfect Results
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To make your skin crisper, try frying in a cast-iron skillet. I swear by it!
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Marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight can also add extra tenderness.
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Use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature—it truly helps to avoid undercooked meat.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
I love serving Chicken Fried Chicken with buttery mashed potatoes; they soak up that delicious gravy perfectly. Green beans or a fresh salad on the side rounds out the meal beautifully. My family also enjoys biscuits or cornbread alongside this classic dish. Day or night, it’s always a hit!
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Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is pretty uncommon around my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to bring back that crispy goodness. It’s a bit of work, but trust me, your family will thank you!
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FAQ Section
Can I use boneless chicken? You can, but trust me, the bone-in version is so much more flavorful. I’ve tried both, and bone-in is always juicier!
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How long can I keep leftovers? It’s best to eat them within 3 days. Just make sure to store them properly!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and breading in advance, but you’ll want to fry it just before serving for that perfect crunch.
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Conclusion
This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe has become a cherished favorite in my household, and I’m so excited for you to try it. The memories it brings back are dear to me, and I know you’ll love it just as much! It’s a beautiful dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. Let me know how it turns out for you, and if your family asks for seconds—just like mine does every time! Enjoy the journey of cooking and the joy it brings to your table!
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Chicken Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless skinless chicken breasts Tender and juicy inside.
- 1 cup All-purpose flour Provides the crunchy texture.
- 1 large Egg Helps the breading stick.
- 1/2 cup Milk Adds richness to the flavor.
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Provides an extra layer of crunch.
- 1 teaspoon Salt For seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper Enhances chicken flavors.
- 2 cups Vegetable oil For frying; ensure plenty for crispiness.
- 1 cup Country white gravy Elevates the dish.
- to taste teaspoon Fresh ground black pepper Added before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
- In one bowl, combine all-purpose flour with salt and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
Breading the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, shake off the excess, then dredge in the flour mixture.
- Press the coated chicken into breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the coated chicken breasts and fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
Making the Gravy
- In the same skillet, whisk in flour to remaining oil, then gradually add milk until combined and your desired consistency.
- Season with fresh ground black pepper.
Serving
- Serve crispy chicken drenched in warm gravy.