Why Make This Recipe
Country Fried Chicken is a classic dish loved by many for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. It brings comfort and warmth to any meal, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This recipe is approachable and yields delicious results, ensuring everyone at your table will be satisfied.
How to Make Country Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- Buttermilk Marinade:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 teaspoons salt
- Breading:
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Cover each chicken breast with saran wrap and pound the chicken flat to about 1/2 inch thick. Pat the chicken dry.
- In a bowl, combine whisked eggs, salt, and buttermilk. Add the chicken and marinate for 1-2 hours (or overnight).
- Let chicken sit at room temperature for 25-30 minutes before frying.
- Transfer the marinated chicken to the breading mix, coating it properly.
- Heat enough oil in a skillet to cover the chicken by half at 350 degrees.
- Carefully add the chicken and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping when edges begin to brown.
- Once browned, transfer to a wire cooling rack to drain excess oil.
- Repeat for all chicken breasts and serve with cornbread, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
How to Serve Country Fried Chicken
Country Fried Chicken is best served hot and fresh. You can place it on a platter next to classic sides like cornbread, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory gravy. For a complete meal, add some green vegetables, like collard greens or green beans, to balance the flavors.
How to Store Country Fried Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before storing. Place the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through to maintain its crispiness.
Tips to Make Country Fried Chicken
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs and spices to the breading mix, such as garlic powder or onion powder.
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying; too cool oil will make the chicken greasy, while too hot oil may burn the breading.
- Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees for safe eating.
Variation (If Any)
For a different twist, you can try adding grated Parmesan cheese to the breading mix for a cheesy flavor. You can also spice it up by using hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but cooking times will vary. Make sure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! You can replace the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees to be safe to eat. Also, the juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken.
Country Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts Pounded to about 1/2 inch thick
Marinade
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs Whisked together with salt and buttermilk.
- 3 teaspoons salt
Breading
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups breadcrumbs
- 2.5 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 0.75 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons black pepper
Cooking Oil
- 1.5 cups vegetable oil For frying
Instructions
Preparation
- Cover each chicken breast with saran wrap and pound the chicken flat to about 1/2 inch thick. Pat the chicken dry.
- In a bowl, combine whisked eggs, salt, and buttermilk. Add the chicken and marinate for 1-2 hours (or overnight).
- Let chicken sit at room temperature for 25-30 minutes before frying.
Breading and Frying
- Transfer the marinated chicken to the breading mix, coating it properly.
- Heat enough oil in a skillet to cover the chicken by half at 350 degrees.
- Carefully add the chicken and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping when edges begin to brown.
- Once browned, transfer to a wire cooling rack to drain excess oil.
- Repeat for all chicken breasts and serve with cornbread, mashed potatoes, and gravy.