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Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe for Weeknight Comfort
Emily

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe for Weeknight Comfort

A quick and easy American comfort classic with a golden, crispy crust and rich homemade pan gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish delivers tender chicken and warm flavors in 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6-8 thin sliced chicken breasts
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp oil for frying
  • 2 tbsp butter for gravy
  • 1 cup milk for gravy

Method
 

  1. Thoroughly slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using)
  3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk and beaten egg
  4. Heat oil in a skillet until shimmering
  5. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, dip in buttermilk-egg mix, then coat in flour mixture again
  6. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown (about 2-3 mins per side)
  7. Remove chicken to a wire rack, keep warm
  8. For the gravy, melt butter in the same pan, whisk in 1/4 cup flour mixture, then gradually add milk, stirring constantly
  9. Simmer gravy until thickened
  10. Serve chicken with gravy, garnished with parsley if desired

Notes

Use strips or tenders for faster frying
Aluminum-free baking powder is optional
For a milder version, omit cayenne and reduce hot sauce in gravy
Drain fried chicken well to maintain crispiness
Leftovers keep refrigerated for 3-4 days
Gravy quantity may vary depending on desired coverage