The Perfect Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe for Family Dinners

Country fried chicken represents pure comfort food that reimagines ordinary poultry into a mouth-watering culinary experience.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this crispy delicacy with its golden-brown exterior and tender interior.

Regional spices and buttermilk marinades create a unique flavor profile that makes each bite memorable.

Generations of home cooks have perfected the delicate art of achieving that signature crackly coating without sacrificing moisture.

The dish carries a rustic charm that connects people through shared memories of family gatherings and hearty meals.

Crisp textures and rich seasonings elevate this classic preparation beyond simple fare.

You’ll fall in love with its irresistible combination of crunch and succulence.

Country Fried Chicken: A Crispy Classic You Can’t Resist

• Maximize Tenderness: Marinating chicken in buttermilk overnight breaks down proteins, creating incredibly soft and juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
• Craft Perfect Crunch: Double-dredging technique with seasoned flour and breadcrumbs delivers an irresistibly crispy golden exterior that provides satisfying textural contrast to the tender chicken inside.
• Southern Comfort Classic: This traditional country-style recipe brings authentic southern cooking to your kitchen, offering a nostalgic dining experience packed with bold, robust flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From preparation to serving, this recipe takes under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks craving delicious comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need for Country Fried Chicken

• Chicken Breast: Tender, boneless meat that creates the main protein for the country fried chicken dish, best when fresh and evenly sized.

• Eggs, Buttermilk, Salt: Creamy marinade that helps tenderize the chicken and creates a rich, flavorful coating, with salt enhancing overall taste.

• All-Purpose Flour, Breadcrumbs: Crispy base for coating that provides golden, crunchy exterior for the chicken, with breadcrumbs adding extra texture.
• Seasoned Salt, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper: Spice blend that delivers bold, classic Southern flavor with varying levels of heat and complexity.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil perfect for deep frying, ensuring even and crisp chicken coating without overpowering the meats natural flavor.

• Cornbread, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy: Traditional Southern side dishes that complement the crispy country fried chicken, providing hearty and comforting accompaniments.

How to Fry the Perfect Country Fried Chicken

Step 1: Tenderize Chicken Breasts

Gently cover each chicken breast with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to flatten to 1/2 inch thick, creating an even surface for perfect coating.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Marinade

• Eggs
• Salt
• Buttermilk

Submerge chicken completely and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight for maximum tenderness.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken For Cooking

Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator. Let it rest at room temperature for 25-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Mix Crispy Breading

• All-purpose flour
• Breadcrumbs
• Seasoned salt
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Black pepper

Step 5: Coat Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade and generously coat each piece in the prepared breading mix. Press firmly to ensure complete coverage.

Step 6: Fry To Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet to 350°F. Carefully place breaded chicken into hot oil. Fry 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a beautiful golden-brown crispiness.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried chicken to a wire cooling rack. Allow excess oil to drip away. Repeat cooking process for remaining chicken pieces.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Plate your crispy country fried chicken alongside classic Southern sides like cornbread, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy. Enjoy your homemade comfort meal!

Tips for Crispy and Tender Country Fried Chicken

• Tenderize with Care: Use gentle, even pressure when flattening chicken to ensure uniform thickness without tearing the meat.
• Marinate Strategically: Longer marinating time in buttermilk helps break down proteins, resulting in incredibly juicy and tender chicken.
• Breading Technique: Press the breading mix firmly onto the chicken, creating a thick, even coating that will turn wonderfully crispy when fried.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain a consistent 350°F to achieve a perfectly golden, crisp exterior without burning or undercooking the chicken.
• Drain Smartly: Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the breading crisp and prevent soggy bottoms.

How to Store Leftover Country Fried Chicken

• Refrigeration: Wrap the country fried chicken tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain maximum freshness and flavor. Keep the chicken away from other strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.
• Reheating in Oven: Restore the crispy texture by preheating the oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Freezing Option: Freeze individual pieces of cooled chicken by wrapping each separately in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe bag.

Best Sides to Serve with Country Fried Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Southern Charm: Enjoy a cold glass of sweet tea or a light, refreshing lemonade to balance the rich, crispy chicken. The tangy drink cuts through the heaviness and cleanses your palate.
• Complement with Creamy Sidekicks: Serve alongside smooth mashed potatoes and creamy white gravy. The soft, velvety texture perfectly contrasts the crunchy chicken exterior.
• Match with Zesty Coleslaw: Add a bright, tangy coleslaw to bring fresh crunch and acidity. The cool, creamy slaw provides a delightful counterpoint to the hot, spicy fried chicken.
• Enhance with Bold Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Syrah. These wines offer enough boldness to stand up to the chicken's robust flavors while adding a sophisticated touch to your meal.

Try These Fun Twists on Country Fried Chicken

• Spicy Southern Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the marinade for a fiery flavor that brings southern heat to every bite.
• Herb-Crusted Country Classic: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the breading mix to create an aromatic herb-infused coating that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Buttermilk Ranch Chicken: Incorporate ranch seasoning powder directly into the breading mixture and serve with a homemade ranch dipping sauce for a creamy, tangy experience.
• Gluten-Free Country Style: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the crispy texture.

Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern Country Fried Chicken delivers a classic comfort meal straight from American kitchens. Golden-brown coating embraces juicy meat, promising a rich, satisfying experience that connects home cooks with traditional Southern culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Coating Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
• ¾ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups buttermilk (see notes for substitutions)
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Protect each chicken breast with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to gently flatten to approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 centimeters) thick, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
2. Thoroughly pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and buttermilk until well combined. Completely submerge the chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or ideally overnight to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption.
3. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temperature for 25-30 minutes, which helps ensure even cooking and prevents cold meat from drastically lowering the oil temperature.
4. Create the breading mixture by combining all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground black pepper in a shallow, wide dish. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Carefully dredge each piece in the seasoned breading mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a complete, thick coating that will create a crispy exterior.
6. Pour 2-3 inches (5-7.6 centimeters) of vegetable oil into a cast iron skillet. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) using a deep-fry thermometer. Carefully lower breaded chicken into the hot oil, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Using tongs, transfer fried chicken to a wire cooling rack placed over a baking sheet, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining the crispy coating’s crunchiness. Repeat frying process with remaining chicken pieces.
8. Serve immediately alongside traditional accompaniments like warm cornbread, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich country gravy for a classic Southern-style meal.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is completely dry before marinating to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
• Marinating overnight transforms tough meat into tender, flavor-packed deliciousness that melts in your mouth.
• Using a cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly, creating that perfect golden-brown crust every Southern cook dreams about.
• Let chicken rest at room temperature before frying to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent cold spots in the meat.
• Pressing breading firmly onto chicken creates a thick, crunchy coating that locks in juices and delivers incredible texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 1,160 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 5,030mg
• Fat: 85g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 68g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 92g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 54g
• Cholesterol: 290mg