Best EVER Chicken Fried Chicken – Crispy, Juicy, and Full of Flavor!

✨ Introduction

Nothing says comfort food quite like Chicken Fried Chicken — and this is the best EVER version. Perfectly seasoned, double-dipped, and fried to golden perfection, these thin, juicy chicken breasts are what Southern dreams are made of. Serve them with mashed potatoes, gravy, and buttery biscuits for a restaurant-style meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

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🍽️ Servings & Time

• Yield: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Marinate Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
• Total Time: ~1 hour

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🛒 Ingredients

Meat:

• 6 thin-sliced boneless chicken breasts

Refrigerated:

• 1 large egg

Dairy:

• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 2 cups milk

Condiments:

• 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Tabasco or Frank’s)

Baking & Spices:

• 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Additional salt & pepper, to taste

Oils & Vinegars:

• Neutral oil for frying (canola, peanut, or vegetable)
• ¼ cup reserved frying oil (optional for gravy)

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🧑‍🍳 Equipment Needed

• Large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
• Shallow bowls (for dredging)
• Tongs
• Wire rack & baking sheet
• Meat mallet (if needed to pound chicken thin)

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🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Submerge chicken breasts in the mixture and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).

2. Prepare the Breading:

In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Dredge the Chicken:

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the seasoned flour, press to coat, dip back into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge again for a thick, crispy crust.

4. Fry Until Golden:

Heat ½ inch of oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Transfer to a wire rack to drain while you finish the rest.

5. (Optional) Make Gravy:

In the same skillet, reserve ¼ cup of oil. Add ¼ cup flour and cook until golden. Slowly whisk in 2 cups milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve & Enjoy:

Serve crispy chicken over mashed potatoes and drizzle with gravy, or enjoy on its own with hot sauce!

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🔁 Variations

• Spicy Version: Add cayenne to the flour mix and more hot sauce to the marinade.
• Chicken Tenders Style: Use chicken tenderloins instead of breasts.
• Buttermilk Sub: If needed, mix 1 ½ cups milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.

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🧊 Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to stay crispy.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked, cooled chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Chicken Fried Chicken and Fried Chicken?
Chicken Fried Chicken uses boneless, pounded chicken breasts and is pan-fried like chicken-fried steak, often served with gravy.

Can I bake instead of fry?
For this dish, frying gives the classic crispy crust. Baking won’t produce the same texture.

Why use baking powder and soda?
They help create a super light and crisp coating — don’t skip them!