Chicken Fried Chicken

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If you’re craving a comforting, crispy, and savory meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family, this Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is the answer. It’s simple, flavorful, and quick to prepare with minimal ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner. The chicken breasts are coated in a crispy seasoned batter, fried to golden perfection, and topped with a rich, creamy gravy that elevates this dish to a whole new level of comfort food. Whether served with mashed potatoes or a fresh side salad, it’s a meal everyone will love.IngredientsFor the Chicken:

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• 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 ½ cups buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• Oil for frying

For the Gravy:

• ¼ cup reserved oil from frying
• ⅓ cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions1. 

Heat the Oil

• Begin by heating oil in a deep fryer or large pan on the stove, making sure it’s a few inches deep. The oil should reach around 325°F (163°C) for optimal frying.

2. Prepare the Flour Mixture

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This mixture will give the chicken its crispy outer layer when fried.

3. Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture

• In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. This mixture helps the flour adhere to the chicken and adds a slight tangy flavor to balance the richness.

4. Coat the Chicken

• Take each chicken breast and dredge it in the flour mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour mixture, pressing the flour down to ensure it sticks well. This double-coating process creates a thick, crispy crust.

5. Fry the Chicken

• Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken into the pan or fryer, frying on each side for about 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once fried, remove the chicken and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat this step with all the chicken breasts.

6. Make the Gravy

• For the gravy, take ¼ cup of the reserved oil from the frying pan and heat it in a large pan over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, allowing it to absorb the oil and form a roux.
• Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously to blend the flour and oil mixture into the milk. Continue to heat until the gravy thickens, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve

• To serve, place each piece of crispy chicken fried chicken on a plate and generously pour the homemade gravy over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Flavors, Textures, and AromasThis Chicken Fried Chicken is the epitome of comfort food. The crispy, golden crust on the chicken gives way to tender, juicy meat inside. The rich gravy adds a creamy texture that enhances every bite with its savory depth. The hot sauce in the batter gives the chicken a subtle zing, which contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the buttermilk and gravy. The aroma while frying the chicken is mouthwatering—imagine the scent of sizzling oil mixed with the savory spices of garlic and the richness of the buttermilk.

Tips and Tricks

• Substitutions:
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling it up with milk to the 1 ½ cup mark. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
  • For a spicier kick, you can add more hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture or try a different hot sauce of your choice.
  • Use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut of meat.
• Make It Gluten-Free:
  • Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour and ensure the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Add More Flavor to the Gravy:
  • For a richer gravy, you can add a dash of chicken broth or stock to the milk to enhance the flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you need a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, it brings the joy of crispy fried chicken and creamy gravy straight to your table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner gathering, this dish is guaranteed to please everyone with its comforting flavors and crispy texture.Make this recipe your new go-to for an easy yet indulgent dinner that’s full of flavor and heartwarming comfort.