Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Imagine biting into a piece of crispy chicken fried chicken that’s juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, pulling friends and family from every corner of the house like a dinner bell ringing in their hearts.

It’s Sunday afternoon, and you’re channeling your inner chef while reminiscing about family gatherings where this dish stole the spotlight. As you gather ingredients, anticipation fills the air—this is not just a meal; it’s nostalgia served on a plate!

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I once made this for my friends’ potluck, and they begged me for the recipe before they even finished eating!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 pieces; they cook evenly and absorb flavors beautifully
• Buttermilk: Using buttermilk makes the chicken incredibly tender; consider letting it marinate overnight for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour: This essential ingredient creates that satisfying crunch; opt for unbleached if possible.
• Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices adds a delightful kick; adjust according to your heat preference.
• Paprika: Choose smoked paprika for an added depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step; don’t skip this part!
• Vegetable Oil: Use enough oil for frying—about an inch deep in your pan ensures even cooking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Marinate Your Chicken: Begin by soaking your chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least one hour or overnight if time permits. This helps break down proteins, resulting in tender meat.

Prepare Your Coating: In a large bowl, combine flour with Cajun seasoning and paprika until fully mixed. The vibrant colors will have you dreaming about that crusty exterior already!

Dredge Like a Pro: Remove each piece of marinated chicken from buttermilk and let excess drip off; then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Make sure all surfaces are covered to achieve maximum crunchiness!

Heat Your Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat, pour enough vegetable oil to cover about an inch deep. Let it heat until shimmering—a sure sign it’s ready for frying magic!

Fry Away!: Carefully add coated chicken pieces to hot oil without overcrowding them—give them space to crisp up beautifully! Fry each side until golden brown (about 6-8 minutes per side), ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Drain & Serve: Once cooked perfectly golden brown and crispy, remove the chicken from oil and let it drain on paper towels to absorb excess grease. Serve hot with your favorite sides!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to build flavor, then coat it in seasoned flour before frying. Fry in batches for even cooking and a perfectly crispy exterior.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or add different spices like paprika or cayenne for an extra kick. Personalize it to suit your taste!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes for crispy results.

I remember the first time I made chicken fried chicken for my family. The kitchen smelled heavenly, and everyone raved about how delicious it was, bringing back fond memories of Sunday dinners.

FAQ

What is chicken fried chicken?

Chicken fried chicken is breaded and fried chicken breast, often served with gravy.

Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless thighs offer great flavor and moisture, making them a delicious choice.

What oil is best for frying chicken?

Use oils with high smoke points like vegetable or peanut oil for frying your chicken.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Crispy chicken fried chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken enveloped in a crunchy, seasoned coating. It’s perfect for family dinners and delivers comfort in every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 inch deep)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: Soak the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least one hour or overnight for optimal tenderness.
2. Prepare the coating: In a large bowl, mix flour, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge the chicken: Remove each piece from the buttermilk and let excess drip off. Coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
4. Heat the oil: In a skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high until shimmering (approximately 350°F).
5. Fry the chicken: Carefully add coated chicken pieces to hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for about 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Drain and serve: Remove chicken from oil and let it drain on paper towels or a wire rack before serving hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

• For gluten-free options, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Experiment with different spices such as cayenne pepper for added heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 120mg