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why make this recipe
Chicken Fried Chicken is a beloved comfort food that combines crispy, flavorful chicken with rich, creamy gravy. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any time you crave a hearty meal. It’s satisfying, indulgent, and sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy classic fried chicken with a twist!

how to make Chicken Fried Chicken
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 (for gravy)
- 2 cups milk
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pan on the stove (a few inches deep) to 325°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture. Ensure to press the flour onto the chicken well.
- Place the chicken in the pan or deep fryer. Fry each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
- To make the gravy, take a large pan, add 1/4 cup of oil from frying, and heat on medium-high. Stir in the flour until absorbed, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking to blend. Keep heating until thickened, then stir in salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the gravy over individual pieces of chicken before serving.
how to serve Chicken Fried Chicken
Chicken Fried Chicken is best served hot. You can plate it alongside mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a fresh salad. Drizzle generous amounts of gravy over the chicken for extra flavor. It also pairs beautifully with biscuits or cornbread for a true Southern experience.
how to store Chicken Fried Chicken
If you have leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the gravy, keep it in a separate container, as it might thicken when cooled. You can reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.
tips to make Chicken Fried Chicken
- Ensure the chicken breasts are thinly sliced to cook evenly and quickly.
- Let the fried chicken drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain its crispy texture.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before cooking.
- If you want your gravy to be creamier, add more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
variation (if any)
You can spice things up by adding different seasonings to the flour mixture, such as paprika or cayenne pepper. For a healthier twist, try baking the chicken instead of frying. Simply coat the chicken with the flour mixture and bake it in the oven until golden and cooked through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe. They will be juicier but may take a bit longer to cook.What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?
Place the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of directly on paper towels. This allows air to circulate around the chicken and prevents moisture buildup.
Chicken Fried Chicken
A beloved comfort food featuring crispy, flavorful chicken and rich, creamy gravy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: None
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 (for gravy)
- 2 cups milk
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pan on the stove (a few inches deep) to 325°F.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce in another bowl.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken well.
- Place the chicken in the pan or deep fryer. Fry each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
- Make the gravy by adding 1/4 cup of oil from frying to a large pan and heating on medium-high. Stir in the flour until absorbed, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking to blend. Keep heating until thickened, then stir in salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the gravy over individual pieces of chicken before serving.
Notes
Ensure the chicken breasts are thinly sliced to cook evenly. Let fried chicken drain on paper towels to maintain its crispy texture.

