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    Home > Meal Type > Main Dishes

    Easy Homemade Chicken Fried Chicken

    Updated: Oct 5th 2021 • Published: Jan 8th 2020 • 21 Comments

    Jump to Recipe SaveSaved! Pin Recipe
    white gravy on chicken fried chicken with text at the top
    crispy golden fried chicken on a grey plate on top of a green plate with text at the top
    white gravy on chicken fried chicken with text at the top and bottom
    fried chicken, mash and green beans with text at the top and bottom
    crispy golden fried chicken on a grey plate on top of a green plate with text at the top and bottom
    white gravy on chicken fried chicken with text at the top and bottom
    fried chicken, mash and green beans with text at the top and bottom
    crispy golden fried chicken on a grey plate on top of a green plate with text at the top and bottom
    white gravy on chicken fried chicken with text at the top
    fried chicken, mash and green beans with text at the top
    white gravy on chicken fried chicken with text at the bottom
    white gravy on chicken fried chicken with text at the top
    white gravy on chicken fried chicken with text at the top

    Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate outrageous comfort food. Crispy, juicy chicken packed with flavor and served with a peppery, creamy white gravy. 

    This is better than your typical fried chicken! The ratio of crisp golden coating to juicy chicken is higher, meaning you get more of that delicious crispy coating with every bite. And let's face it! That is the best bit of the fried chicken! 

    Plus, this is quick to cook and so much easier to make at home that you think! Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, and white gravy for an authentic southern comfort food dinner! A family favorite!

    a chicken fried chicken fillet with white gravy and green beans

    EVERYONE who eats chicken loves fried chicken. It is just packed with flavor, and that crispy coating is the BEST! 

    With this chicken fried chicken recipe, you get more of that crispy coating per bite of chicken. Plus, because this uses chicken fillets, it takes just a few minutes to cook.

    Serve it with country/white gravy for a southern treat. I have included my white gravy recipe under the chicken recipe at the bottom of this page. Or you can read the full post over on my Homemade White Gravy post.

    Jump Menu

    • So what is chicken fried chicken?
    • How to make great chicken fried chicken
    • How to fillet a chicken breast
    • What to serve with Fried Chicken
    • Easy Homemade Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
    • Easy Homemade White Gravy Recipe

    So what is chicken fried chicken?

    It's an odd name, isn't it? The chicken that was named twice 😉 

    To understand it, we need to start with chicken fried steak! 

    Chicken fried steak isn't chicken at all! It is cubed steak that is breaded and fried in the same way you would fried chicken. 

    Chicken Fried Steak comes from when the Germans immigrants settled in Texas. Due to the abundance of beef, they started making their wiener schnitzel with beef instead of veal. To convince locals to try it, they likened it to fried chicken. Hence chicken fried steak.

    Then as the popularity of chicken breasts grew, the steak was often replaced with chicken. Hence Chicken Fried Chicken.

    The bottom line - Chicken fried chicken, is good!

    crispy chicken fillet on a grey plate on a wooden table

    How to make great chicken fried chicken

    • Cut large chicken breasts into chicken fillets. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. (see details below)
    • Marinate the chicken in the seasoned buttermilk to add tenderness and flavor. Do this for 30 minutes at room temperature; this will help the chicken cook quickly.
    • Use well-seasoned flour to coat the chicken breasts, my mixture of herbs and spices gives the coating so much flavor!
    • A little baking powder and baking soda in the flour mixture makes the chicken so crispy! 
    • Shallow fry in a heavy-based skillet. This spreads the heat well and allows you to get that perfect crisp coating. 
    • Work in batches, so you don't cool the oil down. Cool oil will make your chicken fried chicken greasy rather than crispy. Cook two pieces at a time and keep them warm in the oven.
    • Don't mess with the chicken once it is in the oil, let it cook undisturbed for the best crispy, crunchy coating.
    a wooden board with two stacked plates topped with fried chicken, mash and beans

    How to fillet a chicken breast

    Filleting a chicken breast is one of my favorite tricks for quick-cook chicken! The thinner fillet cooks more quickly, saving time and keeping it juicy. Plus, this keeps the cost of dinner down because two large chicken breasts will serve four people.

    Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and, with your knife parallel to the board, cut sideways through the chicken breast. Continue cutting through, keeping your knife flat, until you have two even-sized chicken fillets.

    Cutting through a chicken breast on a wooden board, to produce two fillets.

    What to serve with Fried Chicken

    • Traditional: Mashed potato, green beans, and white gravy (recipe below)
    • Not a fan of white gravy: try this fantastic brown gravy!
    • A Delicious dinner: Try mac and cheese on the side!
    • Another delicious dinner: add some slaw, fries and corn cobs.
    • Brunch: Hash brown, sunny side up egg and fried mushrooms.
    • Lunch: Stuff in a bread roll with lettuce and mayo.
    fried chicken with mash and green beans on a grey plate

    Enjoy x

    For more comfort foods try:

    • Lasagna
    • Fish Pot Pie
    • Tuscan Mushrooms
    • Chicken Gnocchi
    • Chorizo Hash

    For more amazing chicken recipes try:

    • Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Schnitzel
    • Garlic Butter Pasta with Garlic Chicken
    • Baked Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes
    • Dill Pickle Stuffed Chicken Breasts
    • Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta


    Pin this recipe for Easy Homemade Chicken Fried Chicken. Pin it here.

    close up on white gravy sliding down crispy fried chicken
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 14 votes

    Easy Homemade Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

    Chicken Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. Crispy, juicy chicken packed with flavor - better than fried chicken! The ratio of crisp golden coating to juicy chicken is higher, so you get more of that delicious crispy coating with every bite. And that is the best bit of the fried chicken! This is quick to cook and so much easier to make at home that you think! Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, and white gravy for an authentic southern comfort food dinner! A family favorite!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time8 mins
    Marinading Time30 mins
    Course: Main
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 448kcal
    Author: Claire | Sprinkle and Sprouts
    For more great recipes follow me on PinterestFollow @sprinklessprout
    Need Metric Measurements?Use the options below to toggle between cups and grams (if relevant)
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    Ingredients

    US Customary - Grams

    For the chicken

    • 2 large chicken breasts
    • 2 cups buttermilk
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 egg

    For the seasoned flour

    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder

    To Cook

    • 1 cup vegetable oil

    Instructions

    Prepare the chicken

    • Mix 2 cups of buttermilk, in a non-metallic bowl, with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
    • Lay your chicken breast flat on the board, then keeping your knife parallel to the chopping board, use a large sharp knife to cut sideways through the breast.
    • Continue to cut through the chicken breast, keeping the knife flat until you have two plump fillets.
    • Repeat with the second chicken breast.
    • Add the chicken to the buttermilk and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour.

    To make the coating

    • Mix:
    • 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne (if using), ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Set aside.

    When you are ready to cook.

    • Preheat oven to 230ºF/110ºC.
    • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and whisk one egg into it.
    • Dip the chicken into the seasoned flour until it has a light coating. Then dredge it into the buttermilk mixture. Place it back into the flour mixture and turn to coat fully.
    • Place the coated chicken on a plate.
    • Pour 1 cup of vegetable/canola oil into a large heavy-based skillet/frying pan and place over medium heat.
    • The oil wants to be at around 340ºF/170ºC. If you have a thermometer, you can use it. If not, drop a little bit of the flour coating into the oil. It should instantly sizzle and bubble, but not burn.
    • Cook the chicken fillets two at a time.
    • Carefully slide the chicken into the hot oil and cook for 2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Only turn each fillet once; this helps to develop the crust.
    • Drain the chicken fried chicken on a piece of kitchen paper towel and place it in the oven while you fry the next two fillets breasts.
    • Serve immediately. (see note 1)

    Notes

    1. Serve immediately with:
      • Traditional: Mashed potato, green beans, and white gravy (click for full post or see the recipe below)
      • Not a fan of white gravy: try this fantastic brown gravy!
      • Brunch: Hash brown, sunny side up egg and fried mushrooms.
      • Lunch: Stuff in a bread roll with lettuce and mayo.
      • A bit out there but so good: Serve it with a side of cheesy pasta.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 609mg | Potassium: 498mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 748IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 176mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @sprinklesandsprouts or tag #sprinklesandsprouts
    close up on the white gravy in a gravy boat on a wooden board
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 8 votes

    Easy Homemade White Gravy Recipe

    Learn how to make Homemade White Gravy from scratch. This simple recipe is so easy and uses just 3 staple ingredients (5 if you count salt and pepper!) This is the perfect gravy for serving with your chicken fried steak, crispy coated chicken breasts, biscuits or over mashed potato. White gravy is a southern classic sometimes called country gravy or pepper gravy. Forget the packet mixes your family is going to love this homemade gravy!
    Prep Time2 mins
    Cook Time8 mins
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 156kcal
    Author: Claire | Sprinkle and Sprouts
    For more great recipes follow me on PinterestFollow @sprinklessprout
    Need Metric Measurements?Use the options below to toggle between cups and grams (if relevant)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Grams
    • 2 tablespoon butter - or fat from cooking your meat
    • 2 tablespoon AP flour
    • 1 ½ cup milk
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper - see note 1
    • ½ teaspoon salt - see note 1
    • 2 tablespoon heavy cream
    • additional salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
    • Stir in the flour and cook for 3-4 minutes until well combined and a good golden brown.
    • Whisk in ¼ cup of the milk, the mixture will become a very thick paste. Gradually whisk in ¼ cup more milk. Once the mixture has thinned slightly you can gradually whisk in the remaining 1 cup of milk. (see note 2)
    • Add the salt and pepper.
    • Bring to a low simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
    • Add the heavy cream, taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

    Notes

    1. Depending on your butter you might need to add additional salt (and pepper) to the recipe. Finish the gravy and then taste, add extra salt and pepper until the taste sparks on your tongue.
    2. This makes a thick gravy, if you like your white gravy thinner, then add ¼-1/2 cup more milk.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 384mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 436IU | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @sprinklesandsprouts or tag #sprinklesandsprouts

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tammy H says

      January 29, 2023 at 3:39 am

      Needing some comfort food, but have dairy and gluten issues in the family. Has anyone had success with gf flour and/or oat milk for the recipe? I have used oat milk (extra creamy) in mashed potatoes without noses turning up, but I have not tried gravy. Also what in the buttermilk helps with cooking/flavour?

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        January 31, 2023 at 2:41 pm

        Hi Tammy,
        I haven't tried it without the buttermilk, but I have tried gluten free flour and that works pretty well.
        The buttermilk is designed to tenderise the chicken and because it is seasoned with salt and pepper it helps to season the chicken.
        I don't know much about oat milk, but buttermilk works to tenderise the chicken as it is slightly acidic, which I am guessing oat milk won't be.
        As an alternative you could use a vegan yoghurt or a vegan sour cream. Or you could try adding a tablespoon or so of lemon juice to the oat milk and uses that to marinate the chicken.
        Hope that helps
        Cx

        Reply
    2. Cindy says

      June 20, 2022 at 7:03 am

      5 stars
      Delicious! I've made a lot of CFC recipes and this one is at the top. Slicing the breast in half like this makes is so much easier to get the chicken done in the middle without overcooking the breading. Nice mixture of spices. Flavorful, crispy on the outside tender and juicy on the inside. I used a digital thermometer to keep the oil around 340 degrees and cooked 4 minutes on each side. For the gravy, I can't believe she used butter instead of the oil used to fry the chicken. That is so much better to spoon on top. Pour all the oil off and leave as many little crispy bits as you can in the bottom, add back in 2 Tablespoons of the oil, add the flour and milk. Season to taste. No need to finish with heavy cream. it will be thick and delicious. Thanks for the recipe. It's a good one!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        July 08, 2022 at 6:01 pm

        Hi Cindy,
        So happy you enjoyed the chicken fried chicken. It is a fav in our house for sure!

        I totally agree, the crispy bits in the pan and the oil make for a delicious white gravy! The post/recipe does suggest to use the oil that the chicken was cooked in. It just gives butter as an alternative incase people are just making just the white gravy.
        There is definitely no need to add the cream, but it does make it better 😉
        Cx

        Reply
    3. Terri D says

      April 04, 2022 at 12:05 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious! It was a great hit at our house! I used gallon Ziploc bags to put the flour mixture in and the buttermilk mixture and I got kind of messy. Excellent flavor fabulous and crispy to perfection! Tender chicken inside very flavorful. Thank you so much for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        April 07, 2022 at 11:38 am

        Oh I am so pleased that you enjoyed it Terri,
        My kids love this one 🙂
        Cx

        Reply
    4. Laurie says

      March 12, 2022 at 5:30 am

      Could you cook these in an air fryer? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 14, 2022 at 2:10 pm

        I haven't tried it in the air fryer. I think you could definitely cook them that way.
        Sorry I can't say for sure.
        Cx

        Reply
    5. Gwynn says

      November 01, 2021 at 9:05 am

      5 stars
      Such a delicious chicken recipe! My family really enjoyed it!

      Reply
    6. Liz says

      October 31, 2021 at 11:34 pm

      5 stars
      Love a delicious chicken fried chicken recipe!

      Reply
    7. Bernice says

      October 27, 2021 at 11:58 pm

      5 stars
      I love chicken fried anything but fried chicken is the best of all. It turned out so golden and crispy while the chicken stayed moist and tender.

      Reply
    8. Allyssa says

      October 27, 2021 at 6:34 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you so much for sharing this amazing fried chicken recipe! Will surely have this again! It's really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!

      Reply
    9. Arliene says

      September 24, 2021 at 9:57 am

      5 stars
      Tried this tonight, it is very tasty! Chicken was moist and breading crispy. I will be making this again!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        September 27, 2021 at 1:55 pm

        Oh I am so pleased you enjoyed it Arliene 🙂
        It is a favourite in our house!
        Cx

        Reply
      • Angel LK says

        May 13, 2022 at 9:22 am

        5 stars
        I made it without the gravy, but will try it with gravy one day. The first time, I messed up the coatings by using my fingers and I cooked the fillets for too long at 8 mins per side. Today, I made it again and used tongs. I forgot to add the egg to the buttermilk mixture, but it still turned out fine, so FYI if you don't have eggs. Thanks very much! It's delicious with mashed golden potatoes and so easy to make. I won't be buying Marie Callender's frozen Country Fried Chicken meals anymore!

        Reply
    10. Toshiko says

      September 08, 2021 at 7:12 pm

      5 stars
      My husband said that I need to keep this in the repertoire! He LOVED it and so did I! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe with us. It was my first time attempting to fry chicken breast but once I read the seasonings, I knew I had to try. So freakin' good! Chicken remained juicy, the breading stayed on the chicken and set it off! In my husband's words, "it was Bussin'" lol! Thank you again *I apologize for all of the exclamation points, it was just that good. I woke up and knew I had to comment on the recipe before I forgot

      Reply
    11. Gator Lanphear says

      January 14, 2021 at 12:21 pm

      Trying this tomorrow... recipe says “preheat oven to 230”
      Is that to keep them warm until serving?

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        January 14, 2021 at 10:35 pm

        Hi Gator,

        yes that is to keep them warm while you fry the next batch. I find if I try and fry all 4 at once, my oil cools down too much and the chicken gets greasy and to as crispy. So I fry in two batches and keep the first lot warm in the oven.
        Hope that helps 🙂
        Cx

        Reply
    12. Will says

      January 12, 2021 at 10:00 am

      5 stars
      Tried this recipe as a last minute find. Huge success. Breading is flavorful and light and the chicken was incredibly juicy

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        January 13, 2021 at 10:18 pm

        Oh I am so pleased you enjoyed it Will. Thank you for coming back to comment 🙂 Cx

        Reply
    13. Tonia says

      June 04, 2020 at 9:41 am

      I made this recipe last night; turned out excellent. It was the best coating on any fried meat I have been able to accomplish myself! Going to have leftovers tonight. Thanks for a great simple but so good recipe!

      Reply

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