Description
This easy Chicken Fried Chicken recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust with juicy, tender chicken and a rich white gravy—perfect for a satisfying Southern-style comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons butter (or fat from cooking the chicken)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to about 1 inch thickness for even cooking.
- In a shallow bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, and egg. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine all ingredients for seasoned flour in another bowl.
- Remove chicken from marinade and dredge in seasoned flour, pressing gently. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- To make gravy, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour and cook until golden. Gradually whisk in milk, then season and stir in cream if using.
- Serve fried chicken topped with white gravy. Pair with mashed potatoes or green beans.
Notes
- Double-dipping the chicken in flour and marinade creates a crispier crust.
- Boneless thighs can be used for more flavor.
- If out of buttermilk, mix milk with lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
- Store gravy separately and reheat with a splash of milk if needed.
- Air fryer option: cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece with gravy
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
