Chicken Fried Chicken (+Video)

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Chicken Fried Chicken is a true southern meal. Delicious chicken breast in a crunchy, flavorful breading and slathered in a delicious, creamy gravy!

A COUNTRY FRIED CHICKEN RECIPE

We love a good southern style meal and this Chicken Fried Chicken is one of my family’s absolute favorite! Many people might be familiar with this recipe from chain restaurants like Cracker Barrel. I promise this recipe is so much better and easier to make than you might think! With simple ingredients, this recipe fries up nice and crispy and then is slathered in a creamy white gravy! So if you are like me and love some good ole fried chicken, then you need to make my Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe.

fried chicken breast on plate with one cut in half with gravy poured over top.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the difference between country fried chicken and chicken fried chicken?

Nothing. They are exactly the same just different names. It seems to be a regional distinction.

What is best for frying chicken: oil or shortening?

Most traditional southern cooks prefer shortening (like Crisco) to fry chicken but you can use any frying oil like vegetable or peanut oil to fry it in as well.

What size should my chicken breasts be?

I usually purchase 2 pounds of chicken which is roughly 4 chicken breasts. If the chicken breasts are super big and thick, I will slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise then pound it out to ½ inch thickness. We want the chicken to cook evenly and the best way to do that is to make sure the chicken breast is uniform in size.

What goes good with fried chicken?

Mashed Potatoes is the obvious choice because it is perfect for that cream gravy! We always like to also serve it with a vegetable side like fried okra, peas, carrots, corn or beans.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Make sure the meat is dry before dipping in any batter. The chicken must be placed in flour first before it is dipped in the eggs and finally the coating mixture. It’s a three step dipping process: flour, eggs, coating.

Can you make chicken fried chicken in the air fryer?

Yes. Preheat air fryer to 370F degrees. Spray basket with nonstick olive oil spray. Place the chicken in the basket (making sure to leave room in between chicken breasts so you may have to cook in batches). Spray the tops of the chicken with the olive oil spray. Cook for about 15 minutes. Then flip the chicken over. Spray liberally again with olive oil spray. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165f degrees.

How do I store leftovers?

This can be stored in an airtight container where it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The gravy can be stored separately in another container.

This can also be frozen. Place your cooled fried chicken in a freezer container and it will keep for up to 4 months. To defrost, place in the refrigerator overnight.

To reheat, if you have an air fryer, this works great for reheating chicken fried chicken. Set the temperature for 360F degrees and heat for about 5-6 minutes (until warmed through). Reheat the gravy in the microwave or on stove top and pour over steaks when serving.

Chicken Fried Chicken can also be reheated in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Place chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes (flipping over at least once). I don’t recommend reheating in a microwave as the crust will come out soft rather than crispy.

Pinterest image overhead of Chicken Fried Chicken on plate with mashed potatoes and gravy.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)

chicken breasts
salt
pepper
all-purpose flour
saltine crackers
seasoned salt
garlic powder
cayenne pepper
eggs
milk
vegetable oil or shortening

Ingredients needed: chicken breasts, salt, pepper, all-purpose flour, saltine crackers, seasoned salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, eggs, milk and vegetable oil or shortening.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN:

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. Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. On a plate, place ½ cup flour – set aside. In a shallow bowl, mix remaining ½ cup flour, saltine cracker crumbs, seasoned salt, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and ⅓ cup milk.

collage of two photos: chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper; egg and milk whisked together in shallow plate, flour placed in shallow plate and flour, saltine cracker crumbs, seasoned salt, garlic powder and cayenne pepper mixed in a shallow dish.

Dredge chicken breast in flour. Then dip in egg mixture.

collage of two photos: chicken coated in flour; chicken being dipped and coated in egg mixture.

Finally coat with saltine cracker mixture. Continue the same procedure for the rest of the chicken and place them on a large baking sheet.

collage of two photos: chicken being coated in cracker mixture; chicken placed on a sheet pan.

Heat about ½-inch vegetable oil or shortening in a large pan (preferably cast iron) over medium heat. Note: I prefer shortening for these but use the oil you prefer. Cook chicken in 2 batches for about 7 minutes per side. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165F degrees. Continue with the rest of the chicken breasts. Remove chicken to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.

collage of two photos: chicken being fried in oil; chicken fried chicken on paper towels.

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. Whisk and cook over medium heat for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thick. If mixture gets too thick or lumpy, continue adding more milk and whisk vigorously. Whisk constantly and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.