Country Fried Chicken
Country Fried Chicken is a cherished comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With its crispy coating and juicy chicken, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Easy to prepare with accessible ingredients, Country Fried Chicken stands out for its delightful flavor and versatility. Whether served with gravy and mashed potatoes or alongside your favorite sides, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Coating: The combination of seasoned flour and spices gives the chicken a deliciously crispy and savory crust.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with various sides like coleslaw, green beans, or biscuits for a complete meal.
- Family Favorite: It’s a classic dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone enjoys dinner.
- Comforting Meal: Country Fried Chicken delivers that warm, satisfying feeling we all crave from comfort food.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Country Fried Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Meat tenderizer
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Ideal for frying, as it retains heat well and provides an even cooking surface.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients like the buttermilk marinade and flour mixture effectively.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing eggs and buttermilk, ensuring a smooth batter for coating the chicken.
- Meat tenderizer: Helps to ensure even cooking by flattening the chicken breasts slightly.
Ingredients
Country Fried Chicken is an old fashioned comfort food that’s easy to make with chicken breasts and staple ingredients! Serve this with gravy and mashed potatoes for a simple dinner idea for the family.
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
For the Marinade
- 2 cups buttermilk (see notes for substitutions)
- 2 large eggs (whisked)
For the Coating
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Country Fried Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken breasts in buttermilk mixed with whisked eggs. This helps tenderize the chicken while adding flavor.
1. In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and whisked eggs until smooth.
2. Add chicken breasts to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the chicken is marinating, prepare your coating mixture.
1. In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, salt, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Heat Oil in Skillet
In a large cast iron skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Once marinated:
1. Remove each piece of chicken from buttermilk mixture allowing excess to drip off.
2. Dredge each piece into the flour mixture until evenly coated.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place coated chicken breasts into hot oil.
1. Fry each side for about 6–8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
2. Use a meat thermometer to check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once cooked:
1. Remove chicken from skillet and drain on paper towels.
2. Serve hot with gravy over mashed potatoes or your favorite sides!
How to Serve Country Fried Chicken
Country Fried Chicken is a delicious dish that brings comfort and satisfaction. It pairs well with various sides, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
With Gravy
- A rich, creamy gravy enhances the flavors of Country Fried Chicken. Pour it generously over the chicken for a classic touch.
On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes
- Serve the fried chicken atop fluffy mashed potatoes. The creamy texture complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
With a Fresh Salad
- A crisp garden salad adds freshness to your plate. Consider using greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a colorful side.
In a Sandwich
- For a fun twist, place the fried chicken in a sandwich with lettuce and tomato. This makes for an easy and tasty lunch option.
As Part of a Southern Feast
- Combine Country Fried Chicken with other Southern dishes like collard greens and cornbread for a hearty meal that everyone will love.
How to Perfect Country Fried Chicken
Achieving perfect Country Fried Chicken requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken turns out crispy and flavorful.
- Marinate in Buttermilk – Soaking the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat while adding flavor.
- Use Proper Oil Temperature – Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying. This helps create that crispy outer layer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Work in batches if necessary.
- Let It Rest – After frying, let your chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil while maintaining its crispiness.
- Season Generously – Use seasoned salt and spices in both the marinade and coating for maximum flavor.
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch – For an extra crispy texture, dip the marinated chicken back into the buttermilk before coating it with flour again.
Best Side Dishes for Country Fried Chicken
To create a complete meal around your Country Fried Chicken, consider these delightful side dishes that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes are an ideal companion that soaks up gravy wonderfully.
- Collard Greens – Cooked with ham or bacon, collard greens provide a savory contrast to the fried chicken.
- Cornbread – Sweet and crumbly cornbread adds warmth to your dinner table.
- Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing bite that balances out the richness of the chicken.
- Baked Beans – Sweet and smoky baked beans make for hearty side options that everyone enjoys.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese is always a hit, especially with kids at the table.
- Fried Green Tomatoes – These tangy bites provide another layer of Southern flavor alongside your main dish.
- Potato Salad – A cold potato salad can be an excellent choice for summer meals or picnics, providing contrast to hot fried chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Country Fried Chicken can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls that can affect your dish. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the marination: Not letting the chicken soak in buttermilk can make it dry. Marinate for at least an hour or overnight for juicier results.
- Using the wrong oil temperature: Cooking chicken in oil that’s too hot or too cold affects crispiness. Use a thermometer to maintain a steady 350°F (175°C).
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many pieces in the oil can lower the temperature and lead to soggy chicken. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season your flour mix will result in bland chicken. Season both the buttermilk and flour for deeper flavor.
- Not resting the chicken: Cutting into chicken right after frying can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Country Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Country Fried Chicken
- Wrap pieces tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags.
- Frozen fried chicken is best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Country Fried Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Microwave on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil and reheat each piece for 3-4 minutes per side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Country Fried Chicken:
What is Country Fried Chicken?
Country Fried Chicken is a classic Southern dish featuring breaded and fried chicken, often served with gravy.
How do I make Country Fried Chicken gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends, ensuring you still coat your chicken well.
Can I use skin-on chicken?
Yes! Skin-on chicken can add extra flavor and richness; just adjust cooking time as needed.
What sides go well with Country Fried Chicken?
Popular sides include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or green beans to complement this hearty dish.
Final Thoughts
Country Fried Chicken is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various spices or serve it with different sides to suit your family’s tastes. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a new favorite around your dinner table!
Country Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Country Fried Chicken is the quintessential comfort food that brings family and friends together for heartwarming meals. With its perfectly crispy exterior and juicy chicken inside, this dish is easy to make and sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table. Whether served with rich gravy and buttery mashed potatoes or paired with a fresh garden salad, Country Fried Chicken offers delightful versatility for any occasion. This recipe requires minimal prep time and common ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. Dive into this classic Southern favorite that promises deliciousness in every bite!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken breasts in a mix of buttermilk and whisked eggs for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to tenderize.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, salt, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Fry each piece of chicken for about 6–8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Drain on paper towels before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
