Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food — juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy crust and topped with creamy country gravy. This Southern classic tastes like a cozy hug on a plate — perfect for family dinners, weekend treats, or any day you crave something golden, crunchy, and delicious.
🧂 What Is Chicken Fried Chicken?
Despite its funny name, Chicken Fried Chicken isn’t fried twice — it’s simply fried like chicken fried steak! Boneless chicken breasts are pounded thin, breaded in a spiced flour mix, then pan-fried or deep-fried until crispy perfection. It’s served with a homemade white gravy that brings all those Southern flavors together.
🍳 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Creamy Country Gravy:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt & black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken
Pound chicken breasts until even thickness. Soak them in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness). - Make the Coating
In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. - Dredge & Fry
Dip each buttermilk-soaked chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing it in to coat well.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 4–5 minutes per side). - Make the Gravy
In a pan, melt butter and whisk in flour until lightly browned. Slowly add milk while stirring to create a smooth, thick gravy. Season with salt and pepper. - Serve & Enjoy!
Pour the warm gravy over crispy chicken and serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a buttery biscuit.
🥔 Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chicken Fried Chicken with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Southern-style green beans
- Buttery corn on the cob
- Homemade biscuits or cornbread
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✔️ Crispy outside, juicy inside
✔️ Family-favorite comfort meal
✔️ Perfect for Sunday dinners or cozy nights in
🧠 Pro Tips
- Use buttermilk for the juiciest texture.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying — it helps the crust stick better.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for an even, crispy crust.
🥄 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 28g
📌 Final Thoughts
Chicken Fried Chicken is a Southern classic that never fails to impress. Crispy, creamy, and full of flavor — this dish brings restaurant-quality comfort right to your home. Whether it’s for family dinner, Sunday lunch, or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe will make everyone ask for seconds.
