Chicken Fried Chicken (Classic Southern Comfort Food)
Chicken Fried Chicken is the kind of comforting, old-fashioned dinner that never goes out of style. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and generously smothered in rich, creamy homemade gravy, this Southern classic delivers everything you want from a hearty, family-friendly meal. If you love the flavor and texture of chicken fried steak but prefer poultry over beef, Chicken Fried Chicken is the perfect alternative.
This dish takes humble ingredients—chicken breasts, flour, buttermilk, and milk—and transforms them into something deeply satisfying. The seasoned coating fries up golden and crisp, while the gravy ties everything together with its silky texture and savory flavor. Best of all, this Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for Sunday dinner.
YMore breakfast ideas you’ll love
Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family, craving nostalgic comfort food, or simply looking for a reliable dinner recipe that always delivers, this Chicken Fried Chicken deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Why Chicken Fried Chicken Is So Popular
Chicken Fried Chicken has earned its place as a Southern staple because it checks all the right boxes. It’s familiar, comforting, filling, and incredibly flavorful without requiring fancy techniques or expensive ingredients.
Unlike traditional fried chicken, which often involves bone-in pieces and longer cooking times, Chicken Fried Chicken uses thin-sliced chicken breasts. This means faster cooking, even doneness, and a tender bite every time. The double-dredging method ensures a thick, craggy crust that holds up beautifully under gravy.
Another reason this dish remains popular is its versatility. Chicken Fried Chicken pairs well with nearly any side dish—from mashed potatoes and biscuits to green beans and coleslaw—making it an easy fit for family meals, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
What Makes Chicken Fried Chicken Different from Fried Chicken?
Although the names sound similar, Chicken Fried Chicken is distinct from classic Southern fried chicken.
Traditional fried chicken is typically bone-in, often marinated longer, and seasoned heavily throughout the meat and breading. Chicken Fried Chicken, on the other hand, is modeled after chicken fried steak. The chicken is pounded or sliced thin, dredged in seasoned flour, dipped in a buttermilk mixture, dredged again, and fried quickly. The defining feature is the gravy, which is spooned generously over the crispy chicken just before serving.
This combination of crisp coating and creamy gravy is what truly defines Chicken Fried Chicken and sets it apart from other fried chicken dishes.
Ingredients Breakdown and Purpose
Understanding the role of each ingredient helps you get perfect results every time.
Chicken
Thin-sliced chicken breasts are ideal for Chicken Fried Chicken. They cook quickly and evenly, reducing the risk of dry meat. If you start with thick breasts, pounding them to an even thickness works just as well.
Flour
All-purpose flour forms the base of the crispy coating and also thickens the gravy. Seasoning the flour thoroughly is key to ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
These leavening agents create tiny air pockets in the coating, resulting in a lighter, crispier crust. This is a classic trick used in Southern fried recipes.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy richness. It also helps the flour coating adhere better during frying.
Egg
The egg adds structure to the buttermilk mixture, helping the breading stick and creating a sturdier crust.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce enhances flavor without making the dish spicy. It adds depth and balances the richness of the gravy.
Oil
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are best for frying. They handle heat well and won’t overpower the flavor.
Milk (for Gravy)
Whole milk creates the creamiest gravy, but 2% works if needed. The milk blends with the seasoned fat and flour to form the signature sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Oil
Start by heating your oil to 325°F (165°C). Maintaining the right temperature is critical. Oil that’s too hot will burn the coating before the chicken cooks through, while oil that’s too cool will result in greasy chicken.
Use a heavy skillet or deep fryer and allow the oil to come up to temperature gradually.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Coatings
In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until smooth.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, coating all sides. Dip it into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Return the chicken to the flour mixture and press firmly so the coating sticks well.
This double-coating is what gives Chicken Fried Chicken its signature thick, crunchy crust.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 3–5 minutes per side until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature and affects crispiness. Fry in batches if needed.
Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
After frying, reserve about ¼ cup of the oil from the pan. Heat it over medium-high heat, then whisk in the flour. Cook for about one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve Chicken Fried Chicken hot, spooning generous amounts of gravy over each piece just before serving. This ensures the coating stays crisp while absorbing just enough gravy for maximum flavor.
Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Chicken
-
Use thin chicken: Thin pieces cook faster and stay juicy.
-
Season generously: Both the flour and gravy need proper seasoning.
-
Don’t rush the oil: Let it reach the correct temperature before frying.
-
Rest briefly: Allow chicken to rest for a minute after frying so the crust sets.
-
Serve right away: Chicken Fried Chicken is best fresh and hot.
Variations and Flavor Twists
Spicy Chicken Fried Chicken
Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for extra heat.
Garlic Lovers’ Version
Increase garlic powder in the breading and add a pinch of roasted garlic paste to the gravy.
Country-Style Pepper Gravy
Use cracked black pepper generously in the gravy for bold, classic flavor.
Lighter Pan-Fried Option
Use less oil and pan-fry in a heavy skillet, flipping carefully for even browning.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Chicken
Chicken Fried Chicken pairs beautifully with classic comfort-food sides:
-
Mashed potatoes
-
Southern biscuits
-
Creamy coleslaw
-
Green beans
-
Cornbread
-
Mac and cheese
-
Buttered corn
These sides complement the richness of the chicken and gravy while rounding out the meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Chicken Fried Chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Reheat gravy gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the crust.
PrintChicken Fried Chicken (Classic Southern Comfort Food)
Easy, comforting, and family-approved, this Chicken Fried Chicken is a classic Southern-style dinner made with tender chicken breasts, a crispy seasoned coating, and rich homemade gravy. With simple pantry ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s the perfect weeknight meal when you want something hearty and satisfying without a lot of effort.
Ingredients
Chicken Fried Chicken
-
6–8 thin-sliced chicken breasts
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 teaspoons baking powder
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon black pepper
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1½ cups buttermilk
-
1 large egg
-
1 tablespoon hot sauce
-
Oil, for frying
Gravy
-
¼ cup reserved oil from frying
-
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
-
2 cups milk
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy skillet to 325°F (165°C). The oil should be a few inches deep.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture. Dip it into the buttermilk mixture, then return it to the flour, pressing firmly so the coating sticks well.
Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove and drain on a paper towel–lined plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.
In a large pan, add ¼ cup of the reserved frying oil and heat over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the chicken hot and spoon gravy over each piece just before serving.
Notes
-
Thin chicken works best: Store-bought thin-cut chicken breasts cook evenly and stay tender.
-
No deep fryer? A heavy skillet works perfectly.
-
Customize the seasoning: Add paprika, onion powder, or cayenne to the flour for extra flavor.
-
Alternate gravy fat: If you prefer, use butter or bacon grease instead of frying oil.
-
Keep it crispy: Serve immediately for the best texture.
Nutritional Overview
Chicken Fried Chicken is a hearty dish meant to be enjoyed in moderation. Each serving delivers satisfying protein and energy, making it ideal for filling family meals.
Approximate per-serving values:
-
Calories: 490 kcal
-
Protein: 35 g
-
Carbohydrates: 45 g
-
Fat: 18 g
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort-food dinner—crispy, creamy, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic. It brings together the best elements of Southern cooking: simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and bold, comforting flavors that make everyone at the table happy. From the crunchy seasoned coating to the rich homemade gravy, every bite delivers warmth and satisfaction.
What makes this Chicken Fried Chicken recipe truly special is its reliability. It doesn’t rely on complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, yet it consistently produces restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a cozy weekend meal, it’s the kind of dish that earns compliments and requests for seconds.
