As the sun begins to set, casting a golden hue in the kitchen, there’s a familiar scent that fills the air—comfort and nostalgia combined. That’s when I know it’s time to whip up a batch of Chicken Fried Chicken, one of my absolute favorite comfort foods. With its crispy, golden crust enveloping tender chicken and a rich, creamy gravy cascading over the top, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate.
What makes my twist on this Southern classic truly special is the combination of buttermilk and pickle juice which not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a delightful tang. Whether you’re looking to impress at a family dinner or simply desire a satisfying lunch, this recipe offers an easy way to elevate your weeknight meals. So grab your skillet, and let’s dive into the world of delicious, homemade chicken fried chicken that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Crave Chicken Fried Chicken
Comforting Delight: This Chicken Fried Chicken is a warm embrace on a plate, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Crispy Perfection: With a golden, crunchy crust that gives way to juicy, succulent meat, every bite is a flavor explosion.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be whipping it up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile Dish: Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or atop a fluffy biscuit for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit at gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves with full bellies and happy hearts.
Elevate your culinary game with this recipe and discover why you’ll never reach for fast food again!
Chicken Fried Chicken Ingredients
For the Marinade
• Whole Buttermilk – Tenderizes the chicken for juiciness; substitute with a mix of sour cream, lemon juice, and milk for a quick alternative.
• Pickle Juice – Adds tanginess and moisture during marination.
For the Chicken Coating
• Large Egg – Binds the coating for even crispiness.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – The primary protein choice, offers rich flavor; can be replaced with thinner-cut chicken breasts for even cooking.
• Self-Rising Flour – Creates the crispy coating.
• Seasoned Salt – Enhances overall flavor.
• Ground Black Pepper – Adds warmth and depth.
• Cayenne Pepper – Introduces mild heat; adjust to your liking for this Chicken Fried Chicken recipe.
For Frying
• Vegetable or Peanut Oil – Essential for frying, ensures a delicious crispy exterior.
For the Gravy
• Salted Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the gravy.
• All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the gravy beautifully.
• Warm Whole Milk – Ensures a smooth texture in the gravy; warming before mixing helps reduce lumps.
• More Salt & Black Pepper – For final seasoning adjustments to taste.
How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken
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Marinate: Combine the whole buttermilk and pickle juice in a bowl. Add the boneless chicken thighs and let them marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator. This step ensures the chicken is tender and flavorful.
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Prepare Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well mixed. This creates a seasoned coating that is key to the Golden crust.
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Coat Chicken: Dip each marinated chicken piece into the large egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat it with the flour mixture. The egg helps the flour stick, ensuring a crispy finish.
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Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable or peanut oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy, ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying.
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Fry Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy. Maintain the oil temperature above 325°F.
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Drain: Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step keeps the chicken crispy while removing unwanted greasiness.
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Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the salted butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until it turns golden, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add warm milk while whisking continuously until the gravy thickens and is smooth.
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Season and Serve: Taste the gravy and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve generously over the fried chicken, allowing the rich, creamy gravy to enhance each bite.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a colorful touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Chicken Fried Chicken?
The perfect sides can take your comforting chicken dish to the next level, creating a memorable meal for family and friends.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, buttery smoothness of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with crispy chicken and gravy, creating a delightful centerpiece.
- Southern-Style Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread adds a satisfying contrast to the savory flavors of the fried chicken, perfect for soaking up any extra gravy.
- Green Beans Almondine: Tender green beans tossed with almonds provide a fresh crunch that cuts through the richness of the dish, adding color and nutrition.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw can balance the fried chicken’s richness and bring a delightful crunch to your plate, enhancing each bite.
- Pickle Chips: Serve crispy fried pickle chips as a zesty side that echoes the pickle juice marinade used in the chicken, adding fun and flavor.
- Sweet Tea: This classic Southern beverage complements the meal perfectly, providing refreshing sweetness to balance the savory and creamy elements.
- Apple Pie: For dessert, a slice of warm apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream creates a comforting ending, echoing the familiar childhood joy of home-cooked meals.
Each pairing elevates the experience, ensuring your Chicken Fried Chicken shines at the table!
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Fried Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Fried Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its crispy texture.
Freezer: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes to restore crispiness before serving with gravy.
Gravy Storage: Store leftover gravy in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed for smooth consistency.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Fried Chicken delights are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk and pickle juice up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring it’s packed with flavor and tenderness. Additionally, you can prepare the flour mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply coat the marinated chicken in egg and the flour mixture, fry as directed, and whip up the gravy using the same skillet for that rich flavor. Just be mindful to keep your oil temperature consistent for crispy results, so you can enjoy this comforting dish without the last-minute rush!
Chicken Fried Chicken Variations & Substitutions
Feel the freedom to modify this classic recipe to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!
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Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper in the coating or add hot sauce to the marinade for a fiery twist. This enhances the flavor and brings a satisfying warmth to each bite.
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Different Proteins: Swap chicken thighs for turkey cutlets or pork chops for a fresh take on this beloved dish. Each option brings a unique flavor that can make your meal feel brand new.
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Herb Infusion: Add a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the flour mixture for a fragrant lift. The aroma alone will invite everyone to the dinner table!
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Gluten-Free Alternative: For a gluten-free version, substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free blend or chickpea flour. You won’t sacrifice the delicious crunch, and everyone can enjoy this comfort food.
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More Crunch: For an extra crispy texture, double-dip the chicken—first in the egg, then in the flour, followed by another dip in the egg and flour. This method adds more layers of crunchiness to your fried chicken.
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Zesty Marinade: Replace pickle juice with lemon juice or a combination of vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for a tangy zing. Each bite will burst with a refreshing flavor that brightens the dish.
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Oven-Baked Version: If you’re craving a healthier option, bake the coated chicken on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown. This keeps the chicken tender while offering a crispy exterior.
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Veggie-Lover’s Delight: For a meatless option, use eggplant slices or thick cuts of zucchini, coated in the same flour mix. These create a satisfying crunchy texture while soaking up all the delightful flavors.
Expert Tips for Chicken Fried Chicken
Perfect Temperature: Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for optimal crispiness—too low means soggy chicken.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent lowering the oil temperature for your Chicken Fried Chicken.
Beaten Egg Matters: Whisk the egg thoroughly before coating; this helps the flour adhere better, creating a crunchier crust.
Use the Right Cut: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest results; if using breasts, cut them no thicker than 1 inch.
Warm Milk for Gravy: Always add warm milk to your gravy mixture gradually, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a silky texture.
Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe FAQs
What kind of buttermilk should I use for Chicken Fried Chicken?
I recommend using whole buttermilk for optimal tenderness and flavor, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can mix 2 tablespoons of sour cream with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, and then fill it up with milk until you reach 1 cup. This homemade mix works well in a pinch!
How should I store leftover Chicken Fried Chicken?
To keep your delicious Chicken Fried Chicken crispy, make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes—this will help restore that crispy crust.
Can I freeze Chicken Fried Chicken?
Absolutely! For best quality, wrap each piece of Chicken Fried Chicken individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
How do I avoid soggy chicken when frying?
To ensure your Chicken Fried Chicken stays beautifully crispy, keep a close eye on the oil temperature. Make sure the oil stays above 325°F while frying; you can use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, as that can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy results.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes, while this Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is a comfort food staple, it contains gluten and dairy, so it’s not suitable for those with celiac disease or dairy allergies. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could try using gluten-free flour for the coating and almond milk instead of dairy milk for the gravy, though it may change the final flavor slightly.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Certainly! If you prefer chicken breasts, just make sure to cut them into thinner cutlets, no thicker than 1 inch. This adjustment ensures that they cook evenly and stay juicy. Follow the same marinating and cooking instructions to achieve that delicious, crispy finish.
Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the whole buttermilk and pickle juice in a bowl. Add the boneless chicken thighs and let them marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well mixed.
- Dip each marinated chicken piece into the large egg, then coat it thoroughly with the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In the same skillet, melt the salted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until golden, then gradually add warm milk while whisking until thickened.
- Taste the gravy and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve over the fried chicken.