A warm, golden-brown plate of chicken fried chicken brings back memories of cozy family dinners where every crunch seemed to echo laughter. This classic dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and the secret to its deliciousness lies in the double-dredging technique that locks in flavor and creates a perfectly crispy exterior.
This recipe is perfect for anyone craving comfort food on a weekday evening or for serving at a family gathering. It’s an ideal choice for meal prep as well; make the chicken ahead of time and simply reheat to enjoy it warm and crispy later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The double-dredging technique ensures each chicken piece is irresistibly crispy.
- You’ll achieve a homemade flavor that rivals any restaurant version.
- It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a quick weeknight meal.
- The creamy gravy is the perfect finishing touch for added richness.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients to create this delectable meal.
For the Chicken
- 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
For the Gravy
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt & pepper to taste
Use milk with vinegar as a buttermilk substitute if needed.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Chicken breasts can be swapped for thighs.
- Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Hot sauce can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Any neutral oil can be used for frying.
How to Make It
Start cooking this delicious meal with these easy steps.
Heat oil
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan on the stove to 325°F.
Whisk dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Combine wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
Dredge chicken
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken well.
Fry chicken
Place the chicken in the pan or deep fryer and fry for 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate, repeating with all chicken.
Make gravy
To prepare the gravy, add 1/4 inch of reserved oil from cooking in a large pan and heat on medium-high. Stir in the flour until absorbed and cook for about 1 minute.
Add milk and season
Slowly add in the milk while whisking to blend, continuing to heat until thickened. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with gravy
Pour the gravy over individual pieces of chicken before serving.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheat: Bake in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for the best results.
- Let the fried chicken rest on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level for a customized flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic meal.
- Serve with a fresh salad for a lighter side.
- Enjoy alongside cornbread for a true Southern feast.
