Name: Chicken Fried Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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 tbsp hot sauce; Oil for frying; Gravy:; 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying; 1/3 cup flour; 2 cups milk; Salt & pepper to taste

▼ Jump to Recipe·🖷 Print

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious dinner recipe that will bring the whole family to the table, look no further than this Chicken Fried Chicken.

Crispy, golden brown, and smothered in creamy homemade gravy, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Best of all, it requires minimal ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes!

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Let’s dive into the details so you can whip up this Southern-inspired classic in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Minimal Ingredients: You likely already have most of these pantry staples on hand, making it a budget-friendly option.
Family-Friendly: The crispy chicken and creamy gravy are a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

6-8 thinly sliced chicken breasts
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 ½ cups buttermilk
1 egg
1 tbsp hot sauce (optional but recommended for a little kick)
Oil for frying

For the Gravy:

¼ cup reserved oil from frying (or substitute with butter or bacon grease)
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Frying Oil

Heat your oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet on the stove. You’ll need enough oil to create a layer that’s a few inches deep. Bring the oil to 325°F for optimal frying.

2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This seasoned flour mixture will give your chicken that irresistible crispy coating.

3. Prepare the Wet Mixture

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. This mixture helps the flour stick to the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor.

4. Dredge the Chicken

Take each chicken breast and dredge it in the flour mixture first. Then dip it into the buttermilk mixture before coating it again in the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken firmly to ensure a thick, crispy crust.

5. Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry each piece for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Repeat with all chicken pieces.

6. Make the Gravy

In a large pan, heat ¼ cup of the reserved frying oil over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour until fully absorbed and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue whisking until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

To serve, place a piece of fried chicken on a plate and generously pour gravy over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

Use Thin Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced chicken cooks faster and more evenly. If you only have regular chicken breasts, simply slice them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in both the flour and gravy to suit your taste preferences. Add paprika or cayenne for extra flavor!
Gravy Options: If you prefer not to use frying oil for your gravy, substitute with butter or bacon grease for a rich, smoky flavor.

Nutrition Information

Each serving of Chicken Fried Chicken (including gravy) contains approximately:

Calories: 490 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Sodium: 869mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. If precise nutrition is important to you, consider using an online nutritional calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake this instead of frying?

While frying gives you that classic crispy texture, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can fry the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp it back up. The gravy can also be made ahead and reheated on the stovetop.

What sides go well with Chicken Fried Chicken?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, cornbread, or even mac and cheese pair wonderfully with this dish.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Fried Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your table. With its crispy coating and creamy gravy, this dish is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday night, this recipe delivers big on flavor without requiring hours of effort.

So grab your ingredients, fire up that skillet or deep fryer, and treat yourself (and your family) to this Southern-inspired classic tonight! Don’t forget to let us know how it turned out—did you add your own twist? We’d love to hear from you!