Country Fried Chicken Recipe
Country Fried Chicken is a classic Southern dish featuring tender, boneless chicken breasts dipped in a flavorful buttermilk and egg mixture, then coated in a seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture before being fried to golden perfection. This dish is crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside, making it a perfect comfort food meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk (see notes for substitutions)
- 2 large eggs (whisked)
- 3 teaspoons salt
Coating
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, whisked eggs, and 3 teaspoons of salt. Whisk well to blend the ingredients thoroughly.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the coating: In a separate large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper evenly.
- Coat the chicken: Remove each chicken breast from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Heat the oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C), or when a small bit of coating sizzles upon contact.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the outside is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain temperature and crispiness.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried chicken breasts from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving for maximum juiciness and flavor.
Notes
- Buttermilk can be substituted with a mixture of 2 cups milk plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Adjust the seasoning in the coating to your preference; add more cayenne for spice.
- Ensure oil temperature stays consistent; too hot will burn coating, too cool will result in greasy chicken.
- Use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature for food safety.
Keywords: Country Fried Chicken, Southern Fried Chicken, Crispy Fried Chicken, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Comfort Food
Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/country-fried-chicken-recipe/
