Name: Country Fried Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 large eggs, whisked; 3 teaspoons salt; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian); 2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt; ¾ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper; 1 ½ cups vegetable oil

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving that irresistibly crispy, golden, and juicy delight that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you have to fall in love with this Country Fried Chicken recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender, marinated chicken coated in a seasoned, crunchy breading that fries up beautifully to a satisfying crisp. This dish balances bold flavors and textures that instantly transport you to that cozy Southern kitchen vibe, making it a true comfort food classic that your family and friends will rave about.

Country Fried Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting a perfect Country Fried Chicken. From tenderizing the chicken to creating that flavorful, crispy crust, you’ll see how every item adds depth, color, and incredible taste.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounding them thin ensures a quick, crisp fry and tender bite every time.
1 ½ cups vegetable oil: The frying medium that helps achieve that golden, crunchy exterior.
2 cups buttermilk: Gives the chicken a tangy marinade that tenderizes and adds moisture.
2 large eggs (whisked): Helps the breading stick to the chicken beautifully.
3 teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning both the marinade and the chicken itself.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Creates the base for a light, crispy crust.
½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian): Adds extra crunch and texture to the coating.
2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt: A flavorful boost that gives the crust a savory punch.
¾ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the breading.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings just the right hint of spice to wake up your taste buds.
1 ½ teaspoons black pepper: Balances the seasoning with a mild heat and earthy depth.

How to Make Country Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by placing each chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap, then gently pound them with a meat tenderizer to about half an inch thick. This step not only ensures even cooking but also makes each bite perfectly tender. After pounding, pat the chicken completely dry to help the marinade and breading adhere better later on.

Step 2: Marinate

Mix the whisked eggs, salt, and tangy buttermilk in a bowl. Submerge your chicken breasts in this marinade for at least 1-2 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. The longer the chicken soaks, the more tender and flavorful it becomes – this is the real secret behind that melt-in-your-mouth Country Fried Chicken texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading

While the chicken marinates, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper in a shallow dish. This mixture is going to give the chicken its signature crispy coating and fantastic flavor, so be sure to blend everything well for an even taste.

Step 4: Bread and Fry

Once your chicken has marinated and rested at room temperature for about 25-30 minutes, it’s time to bread. Working one piece at a time, transfer the chicken to your breading mixture and press gently, flipping frequently to coat every nook and cranny. This careful breading ensures maximum crunch. Next, heat enough oil in a skillet (preferably cast iron) to come halfway up the chicken. At 350 degrees, carefully cook each piece for 4-5 minutes on each side until the crust is beautifully browned and the chicken is cooked through. Use a thin spatula to flip delicately to keep that crust intact.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Remove the fried chicken and place it on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This lets the excess oil drip away, keeping the bottom crispy and preventing sogginess. Repeat with all chicken breasts, then get ready to enjoy that perfect plate of Country Fried Chicken.

How to Serve Country Fried Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top of your Country Fried Chicken can add a lovely pop of green and fresh flavor. For an extra touch, drizzle some warm, homemade white gravy or brown gravy right over the top, soaking into every crispy bite for that authentic Southern finish.

Side Dishes

Country Fried Chicken pairs wonderfully with comforting classics like buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy cornbread, or even crisp green beans. These sides add heartiness and balance, making every bite a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to jazz things up? Try slicing the chicken and piling it high on a sandwich with pickles and spicy mayo. Or serve it alongside a tangy slaw for a refreshing contrast. No matter how you present it, Country Fried Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that looks just as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Country Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days and can easily become the star of your next meal or lunchbox.

Freezing

To keep your chicken fresh for longer, freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. This prevents pieces from sticking together and helps maintain that crispy texture when reheated. Frozen Country Fried Chicken is best eaten within 1-2 months.

Reheating

Bring your crispy chicken back to life by reheating it in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes. Using a wire rack on a baking sheet ensures the heat circulates evenly so your crust stays crunchy without drying out the inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crispiness intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative. Just pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Is there a substitute?

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using; it gives you that same tangy tenderness.

How do I know the oil is hot enough for frying?

Using a thermometer is best to keep the oil steady at 350 degrees. If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of bread into the oil — it should brown in about 60 seconds if the temperature is right.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. The flavor and texture should still shine through beautifully.

Why is it important to let the chicken rest at room temperature before frying?

This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Cold meat added straight to hot oil can cause uneven cooking and the crust might burn before the inside is done.

Final Thoughts

This Country Fried Chicken recipe is a true celebration of comfort food done right — crisp, flavorful, and downright satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic that never goes out of style. So roll up your sleeves, grab these ingredients, and get ready to share a deliciously crispy experience that feels just like home.

Country Fried Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This classic Country Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful buttermilk and egg mixture, then coated with a spiced breadcrumb and flour blend. Perfectly tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside, this Southern-inspired dish pairs wonderfully with traditional sides like cornbread and mashed potatoes.

Instructions

Prep Work: Cover each chicken breast with plastic wrap and gently pound them evenly with a meat tenderizer until about ½ inch thick, ensuring uniform cooking.
Marinate the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine the whisked eggs, salt, and buttermilk. Submerge the chicken in this mixture and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or overnight for maximum tenderness.
Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 25-30 minutes before breading and frying. This step ensures even cooking.
Prepare the Breading: In a separate shallow dish, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until well combined.
Bread the Chicken: Take one piece of chicken at a time from the marinade and dredge it thoroughly in the breading mixture. Flip and press the coating into all surfaces to adhere well, then set aside. Repeat for each piece just before frying to maintain crispness.
Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth that covers half the thickness of the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a cast iron skillet if available for optimal heat retention.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until the coating is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire cooling rack to allow excess oil to drip away, preventing soggy bottoms.
Serve: Repeat frying for all chicken breasts. Serve hot with classic Southern sides such as cornbread, mashed potatoes, and your choice of chicken or brown gravy.

Notes

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Use a cast iron skillet for the best heat distribution and crispiness when frying.
Do not bread all chicken pieces at once to avoid sogginess and ensure maximum crispness.
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to prevent greasy chicken.
Allow chicken to rest on a wire rack after frying to keep the coating crunchy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern American