Chicken Fried Chicken (+Video)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless
skinless chicken breasts), (about 4 breasts - see step 1
- to tastesalt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup all purpose flour
divided use
- 25 saltine crackers
crushed
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper)
(optional
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup milk
- vegetable oil or shortening
for frying
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ to 2 cups whole milk
- to tastesalt and black pepper
Directions
- 1
If your chicken breasts are more than ½” thick, you’ll want to pound it out until thin. This will provide additional tenderizing as well as allowing for more even cooking.
- 2
Once all the chicken is finished cooking, remove excess oil from the pan (leaving about ¼ cup remaining). Add ¼ cup flour to the pan.
Chicken Fried Chicken (+Video)
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 12 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a taste of the South without leaving your kitchen? This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe brings that authentic, comforting experience right to your table, promising crispy, flavorful chicken smothered in rich, creamy gravy that rivals any diner.
Why This Recipe Works
What truly sets this Chicken Fried Chicken apart is the ingenious use of crushed saltine crackers in the breading. This simple yet brilliant addition ensures an incredibly crunchy, golden crust that adheres perfectly to the tender chicken breast, creating a satisfying textural contrast with every bite. Paired with a luscious, homemade gravy, it’s a meal that’s both indulgent and surprisingly straightforward to master.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly comforting meal that delivers on every promise. You'll enjoy boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness, ensuring they cook through perfectly while remaining juicy. The breading, seasoned with garlic powder and the subtle warmth of cayenne pepper, fries to a beautiful golden brown, offering a delightful crunch. Every forkful is then enveloped in a smooth, savory gravy made from pan drippings and whole milk, creating a rich, hearty experience that feels like a warm hug.
This recipe focuses on achieving deep flavor and satisfying textures, from the seasoned coating to the velvety gravy, making it a beloved classic for good reason.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the heat level by increasing or omitting the cayenne pepper in the breading to suit your preference. For a different flavor profile, you could experiment with adding a pinch of dried thyme or paprika to the flour mixture. If you prefer a richer gravy, consider using half-and-half instead of whole milk, though whole milk provides a wonderfully creamy texture already.
Serving & Context
This Chicken Fried Chicken is the quintessential centerpiece for a hearty family dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes (perfect for soaking up that delicious gravy!), collard greens, or a fresh green bean salad.